BANGKOK – Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra held talks today on enhancing flood management efforts and improving cross-border infrastructure between the two neighboring nations.
According to Thai government spokesman Jirayu Huangsap, the discussions took place via a telephone call while Paetongtarn was on an official visit to Germany. The two leaders exchanged views on addressing flooding in the Golok River basin, a persistent challenge affecting communities along the Malaysia-Thailand border.
Paetongtarn reaffirmed Thailand’s commitment to resolving the issue and alleviating the hardships faced by residents in flood-prone areas. In response, Anwar expressed appreciation for Thailand’s cooperation in flood management, as well as its contributions to energy collaboration, trade, and investment between the two countries.
Jirayu added that Paetongtarn urged Malaysia to expedite the drafting of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) or agreement concerning the recognition of border survey results and the establishment of permanent markers along the Golok River. Additionally, she called for progress on an MoU regarding an integrated river basin management plan, which would provide a long-term and systematic approach to flood mitigation.
Infrastructure development was also a key focus of the discussion, with Paetongtarn emphasizing the importance of completing the road link between the new Sadao border checkpoint in Thailand’s Songkhla province and Malaysia’s Bukit Kayu Hitam checkpoint. Thailand aims to finish its section of the project by October, paving the way for enhanced trade and travel between the two countries.
Malaysia and Thailand share a long-standing partnership in border infrastructure development, with ongoing projects aimed at improving connectivity and economic cooperation. Upgrades to the Rantau Panjang-Sungai Kolok checkpoint and the expansion of the Sadao-Bukit Kayu Hitam crossing are among the key initiatives designed to facilitate smoother trade and mobility across the border.
The continued collaboration between the two nations highlights their commitment to fostering regional stability, economic growth, and sustainable development.