Thai-Malaysia Cooperation Boosts Livelihood In Southern Border Provinces
KUALA LUMPUR, July 13 (Bernama) -- Closer cooperation between Thailand and Malaysia continues to uplift livelihoods in Thailand's southern border region through poverty alleviation programmes, infrastructure improvements and cross-border community initiatives.
The Southern Border Provinces Administrative Centre (SBPAC) is spearheading these efforts in collaboration with Malaysian agencies, targeting development in Yala, Pattani, Narathiwat, Songkhla and Satun, areas historically affected by unrest and limited economic opportunities.
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SBPAC Secretary-General Pol. Lt. Col. Wannapong Kotcharak said the collaboration aligns with the shared goals of both nations to uplift communities, strengthen local economies, and foster long-term peace through grassroots development initiatives.
'Our main responsibility is to ensure that people in this region can lead better, more secure lives. We are committed to doing everything possible to improve their livelihoods,' he told Bernama in an exclusive interview at the SBPAC Headquarters in Yala, recently.
According to Wannapong, several key infrastructure projects have been carried out in partnership with Malaysia, including efforts to modernise the Sadao checkpoint to meet the standards of Bukit Kayu Hitam, as well as the construction of a second bridge linking Sungai Golok and Rantau Panjang in Kelantan to enhance cross-border trade and mobility.
He said the two countries had also launched a Twin City programme last year to enhance cooperation between five southern provinces in Thailand and five northern states in Malaysia, namely Narathiwat with Kelantan, Songkhla with Kedah, Yala with Perak, Satun with Perlis, and Pattani with Terengganu.
"This is one of our most important strategies. The twin city programme focuses on education, social development, tourism and halal food industries... all relevant to our regions' cultures and economies," he said.
He said educational and skills development programmes, including a shared curriculum, have been designed to improve vocational training and job opportunities, especially for border-area youth, as both countries share cultural identity and common aspirations.
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