Thai, Malaysian PMs hold talks on security and development

THAI Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin and his Malaysian counterpart Anwar Ibrahim held talks in Malaysia’s Kelantan province this afternoon (Aug. 3) where they focused on boosting security and development in the bordering regions, Thai Rath newspaper said.

Srettha and his delegation arrived at Narathiwat Airport at 11.22 a.m. after which Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, along with the Chief Minister of Kelantan and his entourage, arrived at Su-ngai Kolok checkpoint on the Thai side.

After being briefed on the progress of construction of the second Kolok river bridge linking Narathiwat and Kelantan the two prime ministers and their delegations crossed over to hold talks at the Land Office in Kelantan’s Pasir Mas district.

Srettha later said in a post on X.com the two leaders had reiterated commitment to peace and development for the well-being of the people of the two countries.

In visiting Su-ngai Kolok district in Narathiwat and Rantau Panjang border town in Kelantan and looking at the construction of the second bridge across Kolok river, the aim was to find ways to develop the economy.

Today’s discussions centred on improving the transportation of goods and facilitating cross border travel by people on both sides of the border through better road and railway links.

The leaders of the two countries also discussed the Rubber City project which will link Songkhla in Thailand with Kedah state in Malaysia to together boost rubber production and increase exports.

Regarding halal food industry, Srettha said although Malaysia already has the Pasir Mas Halal Park in Kelantan, it still needs more raw materials and products from Thailand.

The two leaders also agreed to quickly step up the “Six Countries, One Destination” regional tourism project which Thailand has initiated.