SUNGAI GOLOK: Thai security agencies have given their assurance that the kingdom's border with Malaysia especially in Kelantan was under control despite the recent abduction of a Malaysian woman.
A Thai security spokesman said all their agencies were told to beef up surveillance along the border area following last week's kidnap incident.
The incident saw the kidnapping of a 36-year-old cosmetics agent from Tumpat by four individuals from her home last Tuesday. The victim was believed to have been abducted by members of a drug smuggling syndicate and whisked into Thailand.
Police have since detained three individuals including the woman's husband.
"Thai authorities have directed their border patrol agencies including soldiers to step up operations along the border with Malaysia especially in Kelantan.
"Apart from conducting patrol at the border areas, they were also told to check illegal jetties on their side of the border, facing Kelantan.
"So far, security along the border remain secure and under control," said the spokesman.
Sungai Golok marks the border between Thailand and Kelantan.
Checks along the river yesterday showed that several Thai soldiers were spotted manning the riverbank at the side here opposite Rantau Panjang.
Few Malaysians believed to be smugglers, were earlier spotted transacting cross-border activities but later fled from the scene after spotting Thai soldiers.
The situation at both Integrated Immigration, Customs, Quarantine and Security (ICQS) complexes in Sungai Golok and Rantau Panjang also showed security at both entry/exit points tightened.
Both Malaysians and Thais were seen crossing over to both sides of the countries via the Muhibbah bridge.