KUALA LUMPUR, July 13 — 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.
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.
Col. Wannapong said that 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 constructing a second bridge linking Sungai Golok and Rantau Panjang in Kelantan to enhance cross-border trade and mobility.
The two countries have also launched a Twin City programme last year to enhance cooperation between five southern provinces in Thailand and five northern states in Malaysia: 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.
Educational and skills development programmes, including a shared curriculum, have been designed to enhance vocational training and job opportunities, particularly for border-area youth, as both countries share a cultural identity and common aspirations.
"That is why the (Thai) government is working closely with Malaysia to find more ways of collaboration. Recently, we visited Penang and held activities, including sports exchanges. Our strategy is to use tourism, education and community development to bring our people closer,” Col. Wannapong said.
According to Thailand's 2019 Targeted People Development Database (TPMAP), there were 52,117 poor households, comprising 107,356 people, in the five southern provinces of Yala, Pattani, Narathiwat, Satun, and Songkhla, living in poverty.
SBPAC has now implemented the second phase of its development plan (2024-2027), based on the royal initiative "Understand, Access, Develop" and the Sufficiency Economy Model, aimed at improving living standards in the region.
This year, 13,601 households are expected to benefit from various farming, fisheries and small business development projects.
Meanwhile, the re-establishment of the Advisory Council for the Administration and Development to SBPAC this year reflects the Thai government’s commitment to prioritising the people in the development process in the southern region.
Its chairman Khodari Sen said the council, which consists of 49 members from various professional backgrounds in the five regions, has been reactivated after being dissolved in 2014.
“This council is for the public. It is not an NGO, but a government agency that provides the people with an opportunity to raise their concerns directly, without having to go through government channels.
“The people are more comfortable dealing with us than government agencies. We want to prove that this council truly belongs to them,” he told Bernama in Yala.
Khodari is confident that the close cooperation with Malaysia will drive the development of the southern region.
He said that three key policies were tabled recently: strengthening the financial position and role of the council, supporting agencies like SBPAC and the Thai Army's Internal Security Operations Command Region 4 (ISOC4), and empowering the public sector in developing the southern region.
Seven working teams have been established, each focusing on specific areas: education, culture, justice, economy, security, and women and children, to ensure effective implementation of the policies.
“Our priority is justice. This council has the power to transfer government officials who are not liked by the people, except for military officers,” Khodari said.
He emphasised that any development initiatives in southern Thailand involving cooperation with Malaysia must first obtain approval from the advisory council to ensure they align with the local community's needs and priorities.
Khodari noted that the strength of ties between both countries lies in their shared culture, halal industries, Islamic education system, and local economic activities, factors that continue to promote prosperity and mutual benefit for the people of both nations.
— Bernama
