December 7, 2004

Traders flock to Perlis

Satun _ Thai traders are crossing the border into Malaysia's northern state of Perlis every weekend, where they spend an estimated 100 million baht acquiring goods, worsening Thailand's trade deficit with Malaysia.

Sawat Chokwisetmayura, chairman of the Satun Tourism Association, said thousands of people are crossing to buy items like water filter tanks, gas stoves and fishing equipment from Malaysian traders.

Mr Sawat said he wanted provincial authorities to impose stricter rules on imports and set up a duty-free centre.

He also said continuing unrest in the deep South was affecting tourism and revenue had already dropped 40%.