Checkpoint at Lipe Island near Malaysia planned
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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.
