15-11-2024 (BANGKOK) Thailand has expressed support for Malaysia’s ambitious proposal to construct a 100-kilometre security and flood prevention wall along the Golok River at Rantau Panjang, marking a significant development in bilateral border management.
Narathiwat Governor Trakul Thotham confirmed Thailand’s backing during a recent media engagement with Kelantan officials, emphasising the dual benefits of enhanced security and flood mitigation that the proposed infrastructure would bring to both nations.
The governor highlighted the success of existing border barriers in the region, noting their effectiveness in reducing illegal crossings and smuggling activities. “The current infrastructure has already demonstrated its value in curtailing cross-border criminal activities,” Thotham stated, “and this new initiative would further strengthen our border security measures.”
The proposed wall, first announced by the Kelantan government on 5 November, is pending approval from Malaysia’s federal government. The infrastructure project is designed to serve a dual purpose: bolstering border security and providing critical flood protection for communities along the river.
Governor Thotham particularly emphasised the wall’s potential role in managing seasonal flooding, which has historically affected communities on both sides of the border. “The wall would help control the periodic overflow of the Golok River into Rantau Panjang, addressing a long-standing environmental challenge in the region,” he explained.
