Thailand-Malaysia to conduct more joint patrol after Rohingya migrants found in forested areas

BANGKOK, May 16 (TNA) - Thailand and Malaysia will extend joint border patrol to prevent misuse of forested areas by suspected human traffickers after hundreds of Rohingya migrants were found hiding in the jungle in Thai South earlier this month. Lt Gen Prakarn Cholayuth, the 4th Army commander said after Thai-Malaysian high-level committee meeting on Friday that the two countries agreed to conduct joint border patrol in more locations as part of the policies to maintain order and to crack down on human trafficking. The cooperation came after Rohingya migrants were found in the jungle in Songkhla after suspected human traffickers fled. Lt Gen Prakarn said starving and ill Royingha migrants found in the forest will be brought together and further assistance will be provided to them by Thai authorities. Regarding a fishing boat packed with hundreds of Roohingya were adrift near Lipe Island in Thai South, the 4th army commander said Thai authorities provided them humanitarian assistance. The setting up of cooperation center to help Rohingya migrants is currently being considered.It is likely to be set up in a southern province, he added.