Army told to secure borderThe army has stepped up surveillance of the Thai-Myanmar border to prevent illegal crossings as part of the country's efforts to further suppress Covid-19. Maj Gen Banyong Thongnuam, commander of the Surasee Taskforce supervising security on the western border, was told by Army chief Gen Narongphan Jitkaewthae to beef up security along the border using reinforcements from the 19th Infantry Regiment. Previously, Gen Chalermpol Srisawat, chief of the defence forces, approved a plan to deploy four companies of border defence troops or about 700 soldiers to help prevent illegal entries. Border patrol units will also be deployed with hi-tech equipment to prevent illegal crossers along the Tanaosri mountain range in Prachuap Khiri Khan. Col Assadawut Panyarachun, commander of the Chong Ang Suk Taskforce in charge of border security in Prachuap Khiri Khan, said border patrol police, immigration officials and local authorities arrested 933 illegal crossers from October to November.

Source: Bangkok Post December 03, 2021 03:52 UTC