Thavi Listens to Thai-Chinese Golok Residents, Warns 'A Wall Will Hurt the Economy' After Malaysia Considers Border Closure

Police Major General Thavi Sodsung, leader of the Pracharath Party, visited the Tok Moh Shrine in Sungai Kolok, Narathiwat, along with party members to pay respects and listen to border area entrepreneurs' concerns. Thavi commented on Malaysia's potential border wall, emphasizing that the proposed barrier stems from distrust over Thailand's transnational crime issues. He warned that such a wall would severely impact local livelihoods, using the phrase 'A wall will make the economy sad' because Malaysian tourists would stop visiting if drug problems persist. The party aims to 'stop influential figures' and eradicate drugs within 100 days to restore confidence and revive the local tourism economy. Thavi highlighted the area's multicultural strength, with shrines, mosques, and temples coexisting as 'community jewels'. Local entrepreneurs expressed support for Thavi's policies, particularly potential fuel tax reductions to attract Malaysian visitors.