Malaysia and Thailand have agreed to accelerate cooperation in border development, connectivity, trade and security following a bilateral meeting between Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, as both countries work towards stronger economic integration and regional growth.
The two leaders, who met during Anutin’s official visit to Malaysia from July 9 to 10, reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral ties and advancing cooperation in areas of mutual interest, including within the ASEAN framework.
A key outcome of the discussions was a renewed push to unlock the economic potential of the shared border areas, with both sides agreeing to enhance infrastructure links and facilitate the movement of goods and people between Malaysia and Thailand.
The leaders welcomed the completion of the road alignment connecting the new Sadao Customs, Immigration and Quarantine complex in Thailand with the Bukit Kayu Hitam Immigration, Customs, Quarantine and Security complex in Malaysia, ahead of its official opening.
Both countries also agreed to continue improving cross-border rail connectivity through the Ipoh-Padang Besar-Hat Yai double-track railway corridor, while supporting the full operationalisation of the Perlis Inland Port to strengthen freight movement, customs procedures and logistics efficiency.
Other connectivity initiatives include progress on the second Sungai Kolok-Rantau Panjang bridge, efforts to revive cross-border railway services between Rantau Panjang and Sungai Golok, and plans to restore the ferry service between Satun and Kuala Perlis.
Malaysia, Thailand target US$30 billion trade by 2027
On economic cooperation, both countries welcomed growing bilateral trade and investment ties, reaffirming their commitment to achieving a bilateral trade target of US$30 billion by 2027.
The leaders also welcomed the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on agricultural cooperation, which aims to strengthen collaboration in food security, agricultural research and innovation, capacity building and sustainable development.
Malaysia and Thailand further pledged to deepen cooperation in strategic sectors including energy security, green economy, climate action, digital economy, high-tech industries and halal industries.
Stronger cooperation against cross-border crimes
In security matters, both sides agreed to strengthen border management cooperation and step up efforts against transnational organised crimes, including online scams, human trafficking, drug trafficking, and wildlife and timber trafficking.
The two leaders also welcomed closer defence and security collaboration through existing mechanisms, including the General Border Committee, High-Level Committee and Regional Border Committee.
They agreed to enhance coordination on the Golok security barrier projects, flood management cooperation and environmental issues, including haze prevention and conservation of shared biodiversity.
Both leaders also reaffirmed support for the peace dialogue process in Thailand’s Southern Border Provinces, with Malaysia continuing its role in facilitating efforts towards lasting peace and stability.
Expanding tourism, education and people-to-people links
Beyond economic and security cooperation, Malaysia and Thailand agreed to strengthen tourism links through improved road, rail, air and sea connectivity.
Both countries also pledged greater collaboration in education, including technical and vocational education and training, to support long-term human capital development.
They also expressed commitment to concluding several pending agreements, including MoUs on cross-border transport of goods and passengers, labour cooperation, defence cooperation, integrated river basin management of the Golok River and education.
The meeting concluded with both leaders reaffirming their commitment to ASEAN unity and centrality in promoting regional peace, stability and prosperity.
