Thai-Malay barrier
|
|
The Thai-Malay barrier is a proposed separation barrier covering 100km of the 650km border with Malaysia where regular Thai patrols do not normally reach. To be constructed by Thailand, its stated purpose is to cut suspected escape routes used by militants in Thailand's largely-Muslim south, where violence has killed more than 60 people since January 2004.
Relations between the South East Asian neighbours have been strained since Thai officials said militants behind the violence had taken refuge in Malaysia. Thai security experts estimate that some 5,000 people hold dual Thai-Malaysian citizenship, and they have been allowed to cross the border at will. Both nations have expressed concern over the dual citizenship issue, and Thailand aims to bring the practice to an end.
Related Links
External Links
Thailand proposes security fence along border with M'sia (http://www.malaysiakini.com/news/18697)
Thailand to erect security fence along border with Malaysia (http://www.abcasiapacific.com/news/stories/asiapacific_stories_1089281.htm)