BANGKOK: Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi's two-day working visit to Thailand will focus on five security issues set to be tackled by both Malaysian and Thai authorities.
Speaking to Malaysian media after a pre-council meeting here, Zahid, who is also Home Minister, said the five issues were cross-border crime, counter-terrorism, border security, trafficking in persons and drug-smuggling.
"There are criminals from Malaysia that go to Thailand to seek protection.
"(And) since we have laws such as the Prevention of Crime Act, Prevention of Terrorism Act 2015 and the revamped Op Cantas 2.0, we will track down these criminals, especially those involved in organised crime.
"We also know that there are those involved in terrorism, especially the Daesh (Islamic State), who use Thailand as an avenue to enter Malaysia. There are also those from Malaysia who go through Thailand to enter a third country."
He said such issues could be tackled through increased cooperation between the two nations.
Zahid also expressed hope that the meetings with his counterparts, Thai Deputy Prime Ministers Wissanu Krea-ngam as well as Prawit Wongsuwan, who is also the Defence Minister, tomorrow, will address matters relating to strengthening border security, as well as putting an end to trafficking in persons and drug-smuggling.