Starting in Narathiwat, the Thai authorities will construct a fence that will be built in stages, the first at a cost of 600 million bahts (RM79.26 million), Bangkok Post reported.

It said 357 CCTVs would be installed along the 106km border, including the 80km Sungai Golok bank, which passes through the Narathiwat districts of Waeng, Sungai Kolok, Sungai Padi and Tak Bai.

The report said work is due to begin in Tak Bai first because some sections of the river running through the district are narrow, making illegal entry or smuggling of drugs or contraband goods easy.

The commander of the Thai 4th Army, Santi Sakuntanak, said security officers will be stationed along the border to protect the CCTV cameras from vandalism, while local officials and villagers will also be asked to assist.

Thai defence minister Sutin Klungsang said the project will enhance border security and aid in the prevention of illegal smuggling of weapons, narcotics, migrant workers, and contraband.

“Local officials should also help look after these cameras because they come from the taxpayer’s money,” the report quoted Sutin as saying.

In May, Kelantan customs department urged the public to assist in the fight against smuggling of cigarettes, liquor, firecrackers, drugs, and vehicles.