KUALA LUMPUR – Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has highlighted the potential for joint efforts in the rubber and halal industries as a key area of collaboration between Thailand and Malaysia in a speech during her two-day official visit to Malaysia.
“The recently signed memoranda of understanding (MoU) on rubber and cultural cooperation are a step forward in expanding cooperation and deepening people-to-people ties,” she stated, expressing gratitude for Malaysia’s warm hospitality and reaffirming the importance of the Thai-Malaysian partnership.
Welcoming her as a “family friend,” Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim praised Paetongtarn’s achievements in her first four months in office, calling her visit a reflection of the strong bond between the two nations.
“Prime Minister Paetongtarn is a great family friend, and we are delighted to welcome her to her second home here in Malaysia,” Anwar said during a joint press conference in Putrajaya, reported Bernama.
Earlier, both leaders witnessed the signing of two MoUs to strengthen cooperation in culture, arts, heritage, and the rubber industry.
The visit coincided with the 7th Malaysia-Thailand Annual Consultation (AC), where both leaders reviewed the progress in bilateral ties since the last meeting in 2016. They reaffirmed commitments to key projects, including the road alignment linking ICQS Bukit Kayu Hitam to CIQ Sadao and the construction of the second bridge connecting Rantau Panjang and Sg Golok, Narathiwat. These projects aim to boost border connectivity and economic integration.
On regional peace, Anwar reiterated Malaysia’s support for dialogue and development initiatives in southern Thailand, noting that peace and development are interdependent.
“Peace and development must go hand-in-hand for the benefit of South Thailand and North Malaya,” he stressed. The two leaders also discussed flood mitigation efforts along Sg Kelantan and Sg Golok, pledging enhanced cooperation to address these challenges.
The leaders emphasised their shared commitment to resolving South China Sea issues peacefully, in line with international law, particularly the 1982 UNCLOS.
At the Asean level, Anwar expressed gratitude for Thailand’s support of Malaysia’s Asean Chairmanship in 2025 and their aligned stance on Myanmar, advocating for the implementation of the Five-Point Consensus to achieve peace.
He also called for Timor-Leste’s full Asean membership and proposed an informal advisory group for the Asean Chair, including regional veterans like former Thai prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, to guide on pressing regional matters.
Economic collaboration remains a cornerstone of the Malaysia-Thailand relationship, with both nations targeting US$30 billion in trade by 2027. Anwar acknowledged the target’s ambitious nature but expressed confidence in the untapped economic potential of both countries.
Paetongtarn echoed this optimism, inviting Anwar for an official visit to Thailand, adding, “perhaps even a non-official visit after that.” – December 16, 2024