NARATHIWAT (Southern Thai): The 115th meeting of the Regional Border Committee between Thailand and Malaysia concluded with a decision to strengthen relations and improve joint efficiency in efforts to maintain security along the border between the two countries.

A statement from the committee, which met recently in Bangkok, said the decision aligns with both countries’ steps towards entering an era of economic recovery following a complex situation, particularly in terms of security.

“The meeting concluded with a commitment to continue strengthening relations and enhancing joint efforts to maintain security along the Thailand-Malaysia border.

“Cooperation between the two countries will become more important in the future as we enter an era of economic and tourism recovery after facing a complex situation, including unpredictable security dimensions,” the statement said.

The meeting was co-chaired by the Commander of the 4th Army Region, who is also the Director of the Southern Region Internal Security Operations Command and Chairman of the Thai Provincial Border Committee, Lt Gen Santi Sakuntanak, and the Commander of the Malaysian Army’s Western Field Command, Lt Gen Datuk Seri Muhammad Huzaimi Sabri.

Malaysia will host the 116th meeting, scheduled for early next year.

According to the statement, delegations from both countries also reviewed the progress of various programs implemented along the border, in addition to exploring new areas of cooperation.

“The discussions also covered various other topics related to the border of the two countries to ensure a more comprehensive approach,” the statement said.

Meanwhile, several non-governmental organizations (NGOs), including the Southern Thai Civil Society Network (CSO), have urged Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra’s government to pay serious attention to security issues in the region.

Among the NGOs making the call was the Southern Thailand Civil Society Council (CSCS), which includes the People’s Peace Movement (GDR), the Buddhists Network for Peace (B4P), and the Peace and Development Association (PDA).

They hope that the government recognizes the importance of this issue for the people of southern Thailand, who long for peace and local economic stability.

The CSCS, which represents over 40 NGOs, plans to deliver an open letter to the Prime Minister, urging the new government to give special attention to the people in southern Thailand.

Tuwaedaniya Tuwaemaegae, the Secretary of the People’s Peace Movement, who mobilized public voices for a peace bill, said the security situation in southern Thailand is very concerning, and this situation has affected the lives of local communities, with ongoing conflicts claiming more than 7,600 lives.

“Prime Minister Paetongtarn is the hope of the people of Thailand to solve the problems endured by the residents of the south.

“Since 2004 until this year, more than 7,000 lives have been lost… it’s time for a democratically elected government, not one from a coup, to pay attention to the people’s agenda,” he said.