Bangkok (VNA) – Thailand’s authorities announced on June 8 that six auxiliary crossingson its border with Malaysia have been closed to prevent militants of the self-proclaimedIslamic State (IS) from entering the country.
The closure ofthe border crossings along the Kolok river in Narathiwat province began on June6 and the 30th Narathiwat Special Task Force was assigned to monitorthe areas by order of Thai Prime Minister Prayut Chan-ocha.
Major GeneralWichan Suksong, Chief of the 15th Infantry Brigade in Narathiwat province, saidthat the move was designed to prevent IS members and other insurgent groupsfrom entering and transporting explosives illegally into Thailand.
Speaking afterthe cabinet meeting, spokesperson of the Thai Government Sansern Kaewkamnerdsaid the closure of the border crossings is necessary to ensure security andnational defence.
Authorities ofThailand’s southern provinces were also asked to tighten security, especiallyduring the Ramadan month of Muslims.-VNA