The Prime Ministers of Thailand and Malaysia agreed to accelerate border infrastructure connectivity to open the gates for trade, tourism, and investment, thereby increasing opportunities for people of both countries. They also extended an official invitation to Anwar to visit Thailand.
On 9 July 2026 at 13:10 local time in Malaysia (one hour ahead of Thailand), at the Malaysian Prime Minister's Office in Kuala Lumpur, Ms. Ratchada Thanadirek, spokesperson for the Thai Prime Minister's Office, announced that Mr. Anutin Charnvirakul, Prime Minister and Minister of Interior of Thailand, held a full delegation meeting with Dato' Seri Anwar Ibrahim, Prime Minister of Malaysia, . Both sides agreed to elevate cooperation in all dimensions, creating opportunities in the economy, trade, investment, tourism, and security, which will directly impact the quality of life and income of citizens in both countries.
A key topic of discussion was accelerating the linkage of infrastructure between Thailand and Malaysia to facilitate easier travel for people, reduce goods transportation costs, and enhance cross-border trade potential. Tomorrow, the Prime Ministers of both countries will jointly open the new Sadao and Bukit Kayu Hitam checkpoints, the highest trade value border crossings between Thailand and Malaysia.
Additionally, both parties agreed to expedite major projects including reopening ferry services between Satun province and Kuala Perlis, integrating ticketing systems for the Bangkok-Hat Yai-Butterworth train route under a single system, restoring the railway line from Su-ngai Kolok to Rantau Panjang, and constructing a new bridge to enhance regional travel and logistics. Alongside infrastructure development, Thailand and Malaysia will jointly promote investment, develop local entrepreneurs, create jobs, enhance workforce skills, and upgrade tourism to ensure border area residents benefit equitably from economic growth.
On security, both countries reaffirmed cooperation to establish peace in the southern border provinces, agreeing that economic development and peacebuilding must proceed simultaneously. They also pledged to strengthen collaboration against transnational crimes, drug trafficking, human trafficking, and border crimes, including forming a joint working group to oversee the Golok River area and developing a bilateral flood early warning system.
Regarding the economy, both parties aim to boost bilateral trade value to reach 30 billion US dollars in the near future. They will accelerate supply chain integration in food security, energy, and advanced technology industries. Furthermore, the agriculture ministers of both countries have been tasked to find joint solutions to open markets for agricultural and fishery products as soon as possible.
On the same occasion, the two leaders witnessed the exchange of a memorandum of understanding on agriculture cooperation, covering collaboration in crops, livestock, fisheries, research, technology transfer, human resource development, and strengthening food security for both countries. The Prime Minister also stated that 2027 will mark the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Thailand and Malaysia. He assigned relevant agencies to expedite the implementation of this meeting's outcomes and to finalize ongoing MOUs between Thai and Malaysian agencies promptly. He also officially invited the Malaysian Prime Minister to visit Thailand to continue beneficial cooperation for the people of both nations.
On this occasion, the Malaysian Prime Minister praised Thailand's role regarding the Myanmar issue. Both Malaysia and Thailand believe the Myanmar problem can be resolved through constructive involvement of all parties. As a neighboring country, Thailand has made efforts to address unrest in Myanmar and has continuously provided humanitarian assistance. Regarding issues with shrimp and sea bass, the agriculture ministers of both countries have already reached joint solutions and will expedite implementation to resolve farmers' problems.
The full delegation of ministers and related agencies participating in the discussions included:
