Thailand-Malaysia Relations At 'Excellent Level', Says Thai PM

By Kenny Teng

BANGKOK, May 8 (Bernama) -- Thailand-Malaysia relations are currently at an “excellent level”, underpinned by close coordination and strong personal ties between the leaders of both countries, Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul said on Friday.

Government spokesperson Ratchada Thanadirek said Anutin made the remarks during talks with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim on the sidelines of the 48th ASEAN Summit and Related Meetings in Cebu, the Philippines.

Ratchada said Anutin emphasised that relations between Thailand and Malaysia continue to progress steadily, with virtually no outstanding bilateral issues due to the close rapport and mutual trust shared by both leaders.

“Both leaders held cordial discussions focused on strengthening bilateral cooperation and advancing shared priorities between the neighbouring countries.

“The two leaders maintain close and familiar ties, enabling smooth coordination and continued progress in bilateral cooperation,” she said in a statement on Friday.

Ratchada said Anutin also reaffirmed his readiness to undertake an official visit to Malaysia this year after a previously scheduled visit late last year was postponed.

She said during the discussions, both sides reviewed key bilateral cooperation projects, particularly efforts to accelerate border infrastructure development.

These include the road linkage connecting the Sadao-Bukit Kayu Hitam customs checkpoints in Songkhla and the second bridge project across the Sungai Golok in Narathiwat, with construction targeted to begin this year.

“The projects are expected to strengthen trade, transport and people-to-people connectivity between the two countries,” she said.

Anutin also informed Malaysia about the appointment of a new chief negotiator for the southern peace dialogue process.

She said the Thai prime minister reaffirmed Bangkok’s commitment to resolving the issue through peaceful means, while both countries agreed that lasting peace and stability would serve as the foundation for long-term border development.

“The two leaders also agreed to deepen cooperation in trade, investment and tourism by promoting greater connectivity between the peoples of both countries through increased travel and tourism activities, as well as expanding regional economic opportunities,” she said.

According to Ratchada, the discussions reflected not only the close government-to-government relationship between Thailand and Malaysia, but also the strong personal understanding and trust between the two leaders in advancing concrete cooperation for the long-term mutual benefit of both nations.

-- BERNAMA