Thai, Malaysian Leaders Agree to Boost All-Dimensional Cooperation, Push Economic and Infrastructure Links

Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and his Malaysian counterpart Anwar Ibrahim have agreed to upgrade cooperation in all dimensions and create “areas of opportunity” in economics, trade, investment, tourism, and security to lift the quality of life and income of the people of both countries, Naewna newspaper reported this afternoon (July 9). Ms. Rachada Thanadirek, a spokesperson for the Prime Minister’s Office, said the key issue of the discussion was accelerating infrastructure links between the two countries to make easier for people to travel across the border and jointly inaugurating the new Sadao (Songkhla)-Bukit Kayu Hitam (Kedah) border crossing tomorrow with this route being where largest volume of trade between the two countries passes through. Thailand’s cabinet had approved the opening of the new permanent Sadao checkpoint in Songkhla from Saturday July 11. “The new checkpoint will replace the existing Sadao crossing,” Rachada said, adding it will operate daily from 5 a.m. to 11 p.m. (Thailand time). In addition, both sides agreed to accelerate several key projects, including the resumption of ferry services between Satun province and Kuala Perlis, the integration of a unified ticketing system for the Bangkok-Hat Yai-Butterworth railway line, the restoration of the Sungai Kolok-Rantau Panjang railway line, and the construction of a new bridge to upgrade transportation and logistics throughout the region. Alongside infrastructure development, Thailand and Malaysia will jointly promote investment, develop local entrepreneurs, create jobs, develop labour skills, and upgrade tourism to ensure that people in border areas benefit from economic growth comprehensively. Regarding the issue of Malaysia having banned five Thai species of shrimp, the two leaders noted that the agriculture ministers of both countries had worked out a joint solution, which will be quickly implemented to alleviate the suffering of farmers. Anwar Ibrahim also commended Thailand’s role in resolving the unrest in Myanmar with both countries believing that the conflict in this Asean country could be settled through constructive participation of all parties. Thailand, as a country sharing a border with Myanmar, has made efforts to resolve this unrest and has continuously provided humanitarian assistance, he said. Following bilateral talks and joint press conference Anwar Ibrahim hosted lunch for Anutin and his delegation at the Malaysian Prime Minister’s Office during which he asked the Thai leader to play saxophone, which Anutin did by choosing Frank Sinatra’s song “My Way.” Anwar then took the microphone, embraced Anutin, and sang this song, creating a cordial atmosphere and strengthening the relationship between the two countries.