Malaysian Army Chief General Tan Sri Zamrose Mohd Zain (right) receiving the "Highest Achievement Award" from Thailand's National Defence Studies Institute Commanding General Siravuth Wongkantee. - Photo: Bernama
BANGKOK: Malaysia and Thailand will set up "strong villages" along the border with the aim of strengthening border security cooperation as well as boosting the local population’s socio-economic development.
Army Chief General Tan Sri Zamrose Mohd Zain said the proposal was brought up by the Commander-in-Chief of the Royal Thai Army General Narongpan Jittkaewtae during a meeting here.
Gen Zamrose said besides improving the socio-economy of local residents along the border, "strong villages" - to be a joint effort of the Malaysian and Thai armies - can indirectly improve local community relations and bilateral relations through social activities and exchange visits.
"I think the programme will be implemented in January next year," he told Bernama here Thursday (July 21).
He added that the proposal for the plan will be presented to the Defence Ministers of both countries soon.
Gen Zamrose is currently on a five-day working visit to Thailand starting Wednesday (July 21) until July 24, which aims to strengthen the defence diplomacy between Malaysia and Thailand.
It is a reciprocal visit at the invitation of Gen Narongpan, who visited Malaysia last month.
Also, Gen Zamrose received the "Highest Achievement Award" from the National Defence Studies Institute here.
Gen Zamrose - who continued his studies at the National Defence College in 2008 here - was conferred the award for being the college’s first foreign student to hold the highest position in the service.
The award was presented by the Commanding General of National Defence Studies Institute, General Siravuth Wongkantee, at a ceremony Wednesday.
Meanwhile, Gen Zamrose said he also informed Thailand that Malaysia will establish two more checkpoints - at the 34th and 36th mile of the Malaysia-Thailand border at Bukit Kayu Hitam in Kedah - on top of the existing six checkpoints in an effort to maintain national security and prevent cross-border criminal activities.
"The Thai side has taken note and agreed. In fact, the Thai side will also build two posts as (a mark of) support and cooperation,” he said. - Bernama
