Kuala lumpur: Thailand and Malaysia have agreed to accelerate the connection of border infrastructure, opening doors for trade, tourism, and investment. This initiative is expected to increase opportunities for the people of both countries. Today, at the Prime Minister's Office of Malaysia, Ms. Rachada Thanadirek, spokesperson for the Prime Minister's Office, revealed that Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul of Thailand held a meeting with Malaysian Prime Minister Dato' Seri Anwar Ibrahim. The leaders agreed to enhance cooperation across various sectors, including economics, trade, investment, tourism, and security, which will directly impact the quality of life and income of their citizens.
According to Thai News Agency, a key focus of the discussions was on accelerating infrastructure connectivity to facilitate travel, reduce transportation costs, and boost border trade potential. Tomorrow, both Prime Ministers will jointly inaugurate the new Sadao and Bukit Kayu Hitam border crossings, which are significant trade checkpoints between Thailand and Malaysia.
In addition to border crossings, both countries plan to expedite several key projects, such as resuming ferry services between Satun province and Kuala Perlis, integrating a unified ticketing system for the railway line from Bangkok to Butterworth, restoring the Suai Ko-Lok-Rantau Panjang railway line, and constructing a new bridge to upgrade regional transportation and logistics.
The two countries will also focus on promoting investment, developing local entrepreneurs, creating jobs, improving workforce skills, and upgrading tourism, allowing people in border areas to benefit from economic growth. In terms of security, Thailand and Malaysia reaffirmed their commitment to peacebuilding in southern border provinces, agreeing to cooperate against transnational crime and establish a joint working group for areas along the Kolok River.
Economically, both nations aim to increase bilateral trade to US$30 billion and strengthen supply chain linkages in food security, energy, and high-tech industries. They have also tasked their agriculture ministers with finding joint solutions to open agricultural and fisheries markets swiftly.
The leaders witnessed the exchange of memoranda of understanding on agriculture, focusing on cooperation in crops, livestock, fisheries, research, technology transfer, human resource development, and food security enhancement.
Prime Minister Charnvirakul highlighted that 2027 will mark the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Thailand and Malaysia. He instructed relevant agencies to implement the discussions into concrete actions and invited the Malaysian Prime Minister to visit Thailand to continue cooperation.
On another note, the Malaysian Prime Minister praised Thailand's efforts in addressing the Myanmar issue, emphasizing the need for constructive participation from all parties. Both countries are committed to resolving the unrest in Myanmar, including providing humanitarian assistance.
Regarding agricultural issues, the Ministers of Agriculture have reached a joint solution for shrimp and sea bass, which will be expedited to resolve farmers' problems.
The meeting included several high-profile Thai cabinet ministers, including Deputy Prime Ministers and Ministers of Transport, Finance, Foreign Affairs, Defence, Tourism and Sports, Agriculture and Cooperatives, Labour, and other key officials.