Thailand and Malaysia have agreed to improve transportation networks to boost bilateral border trade, according to Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin. He made the statement after a meeting with his Malaysian counterpart, Anwar Ibrahim, at the Sadao border checkpoint in Songkhla province on Monday.
“The Thai government has selected the Sadao border checkpoint to introduce a one-stop service for customs, immigration and quarantine (CIQ). When operational, it will reduce time and procedures at the checkpoint,” Srettha wrote on his Facebook page.
Both countries also agreed to expedite the construction of the second Thai-Malaysian bridge, connecting Narathiwat’s Sungai Kolok district in Thailand with Malaysia’s Rantau Panjang in Kelantan state.
Meanwhile, Anwar stated that Thailand’s plans to build seaports and a land bridge, which will shorten ship journeys, avoiding the busy Straits of Melaka, will benefit Malaysia, especially northern Peninsular Malaysia.
Speaking to Bernama, the Malaysian national news agency, after the meeting with the Thai premier, Anwar stated that his government will ensure Malaysia benefits and is involved in the project.
Anwar quoted Srettha as telling him that Phuket has done extremely well on an international level, so he has asked Thai Tourism Minister to share ideas which can be implemented in Langkawi to create synergy.
“It is rare to see someone wanting to offer their experience and expertise. There cannot be a bilateral relationship that only benefits one country. So, that’s why, when we have benefits, we share and, in tourism, he remembers us [sic],” Anwar told Bernama.
