Tightened border control: Electric fence and CCTV to deter smuggling syndicates

SHAH ALAM - Smuggling syndicates are likely to face increased challenges as the Thai government plans to enhance control along the Malaysia-Thailand border by constructing an electric fence equipped with closed-circuit television (CCTV) systems.

According to the Bangkok Post, the project which will be carried out in phases was estimated to cost around 600 million baht (RM79.3 million).

A total of 357 CCTVs will be installed along 106 kilometres, including 80 kilometres along the banks of the Golok River, passing through the Waeng area in Narathiwat, Sungai Padi and Tak Bai.

The first phase of construction will begin in Tak Bai due to narrow river sections in the area that facilitated drug smuggling and illegal entry of goods.

Commander of the fourth Thai Army Santi Sakuntanak said security personnel will be deployed along the area to protect the CCTVs from vandalism.

Local officials and village residents will also be asked to assist in this regard.

Meanwhile, Thailand's Defence Minister Sutin Klungsang said the project aimed to improve border security and prevent illicit activities such as weapons and drug smuggling, human trafficking and contraband trade.

He emphasised the need for local residents to contribute to safeguard the CCTVs, as their purchase involved taxpayers' money.

In the past, Malaysia had considered installing an electric fence along its border with Thailand.

In 2013, then Home Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi proposed installing the fence along the Kelantan-Thailand border, covering 121 kilometres of river border and 20 kilometres of land border from Pengkalan Kubor.

However, Zahid said the proposal needed to be studied in terms of acquisition and payment methods due to the high costs.

In April, current Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said the government was facing constraints in constructing new fences along the Malaysia-Thailand border, especially in Kedah and Perlis, citing the long distance.

He said the government was exploring the use of technology-based methods, including drones and Artificial Intelligence (AI) for border enforcement.

He added that the border security should not solely focus on the fence issue but involve various aspects beyond the physical presence of security personnel.

Malaysia-Thailand border information:

Border length: 646km

Land border: 551km

Border along the innermost part of the main flow of the Golok River, Kelantan: 95km

Malaysian states bordering Thailand: Perlis, Kedah, Perak and Kelantan

Thai provinces bordering Malaysia: Satun, Songkhla, Yala and Narathiwat

Major Entry Points:

Malaysia

1. Wang Kelian, Perlis

2. Padang Besar, Perlis

3. Bukit Kayu Hitam, Kedah

4. Durian Burung, Kedah

5. Pengkalan Hulu, Perak

6. Bukit Bunga, Kelantan

7. Rantau Panjang, Kelantan

8. Pengkalan Kubur, Kelantan

Thailand

1. Wang Prachan, Satun

2. Padang Besar, Songkhla

3. Sadao, Songkhla

4. Betong, Yala

5. Ban Buketa, Narathiwat

6. Sungai Golok, Narathiwat

7. Tak Bai, Narathiwat

Items smuggled across the border:

1. Rice

2. Petrol

3. Diesel

4. Cooking oil

5. Wheat flour

6. Sugar

7. Drugs

8. Cigarettes

9. Tobacco

10. Ketum

11. Human trafficking

12. Alcoholic beverages