Checkpoint at Lipe Island near Malaysia planned

Panu Uthairat, deputy permanent secretary for the Interior Ministry, yesterday voiced full support for the proposal that a temporary border checkpoint be set up on Satun's Lipe Island. "It will be good for tourism," Panu said.

Lipe is close to Malaysia's Langkawi island, also a famous tourist destination, and a checkpoint between the two countries at that point would help the South enjoy a boost in tourism, Panu said.

Panu was speaking after he held a meeting with Satun Governor Nuachai Jira-apirak and relevant officials.

"I will present this proposal to the interior minister and will urgently push for the setting up of a temporary border checkpoint on the island," he said.

Panu added that he believes the checkpoint might be opened as early as March.

Nuachai agreed that setting up a checkpoint would boost tourism in Satun and also help officials ensure the safety of tourists.

"I also plan to install a closed-circuit television system," he said.

Panu said that with a border checkpoint, Lipe island would have a higher number of officials on duty, which might help cut down on several problems, especially crime.