BANGKOK, Thailand – Fourth Army Area Commander Lt Gen Norathip Poinok recently welcomed a Malaysian delegation led by the Director-General of Military Intelligence, Lt Gen Datuk Rozali bin Alias, to the Sena Narong Military Camp in Songkhla for a strategic dialogue on border security.
The meeting strengthened the two nations’ long-standing defense ties, with a primary focus on deepening intelligence cooperation. Both commanders reaffirmed that close coordination and continuous information exchange are vital to addressing evolving security challenges and maintaining public order along the shared border.
Discussions also centered on optimizing current border mechanisms. The delegations explored avenues to enhance operational interoperability, aiming to secure border communities while fostering an environment conducive to long-term regional development.
Expanding the agenda beyond traditional security, the leaders addressed soft power initiatives, specifically tourism and community engagement. Both sides committed to encouraging Malaysian tourism in southern Thailand and unveiled plans for a “Pondok Football League,” a sporting initiative designed to build bridges between youth and communities on both sides of the border.
The visit concluded with an exchange of commemorative gifts, a gesture underscoring the solidarity between the Royal Thai Army and the Malaysian Armed Forces and setting a positive tone for future collaboration in regional management. (NNT)
