Island dispute worries Ranong

Island dispute worries Ranong

Businesses in Ranong want the government to rapidly resolve the problem of overlapping claims on islands in the Kraburi River between Thailand and Myanmar.

Without urgent action, the problem could escalate into a serious conflict, similar to what has happened on the Thai-Cambodia border, said Nit Aui-tengkeng, the chairman of the Federation of Thai Industries in Ranong.

He said businesses in the southern province had submitted a letter to Surapong Chainam, an adviser to the foreign minister, calling for the government to urgently settle the problem, but had seen no progress.

Overlapping clams exist on three islands: Koh Laam, Koh Kan and Koh Kee Nok at the mouth of the Kraburi River, said Mr Nit.

In addition, he said, Myanmar authorities have protested against river bank reinforcing walls being built by Thailand at three locations in tambon Mamu of Ranong's Kraburi district.

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