(AseanAll) — On May 8, 2026, at the Shangri-La Mactan Hotel, Cebu, Republic of the Philippines, Thai Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Anutin Charnvirakul had a bilateral meeting with Prime Minister Dato' Seri Anwar bin Ibrahim of Malaysia during his attendance at the 48th ASEAN Summit.
Anutin emphasized the current Thailand–Malaysia relations which is at the excellent state with closeness, familiarity, and smooth coordination between the two sides. Cooperation has continued to advance with virtually no outstanding issues thanks to the cordial ties between the two leaders. Anutin also reaffirmed his readiness to make an official visit to Malaysia within this year, following the postponement of the earlier schedule, and expressed his wish to gain deeper insights into Malaysia.
The two leaders took the opportunity to discuss key areas of bilateral cooperation, particularly acceleration of joint border development projects, i.e., the opening of the road linking Sadao–Bukit Kayu Hitam customs checkpoints in Songkhla, and the construction of the second bridge across Kolok River in Narathiwat of which the construction is expected to commence within this year. These projects will enhance trade, travel, and people‑to‑people exchanges between the two countries.
On security and peace in Thailand’s Southern border provinces, Anutin informed the Malaysian counterpart that the Thai Government has appointed a new Head of the Peace Dialogue Panel, who possesses profound knowledge, understanding, and experience on the matter. He reaffirmed the Thai Government’s full commitment to pursuing a peaceful resolution. Both sides also agreed that peace and stability in the area will be a crucial foundation for long‑term border development.
The two leaders also came to terms to intensify cooperation in trade, investment, and tourism, with a focus on strengthening people‑to‑people connectivity through travel facilitation and tourism promotion, as well as expanding regional economic opportunities.
This meeting not only reflected close ties between Thailand and Malaysia at the governmental level but also underscored the familiarity and trust between the two leaders, who are ready to work together to advance tangible cooperation in infrastructure, economic connectivity, and peacebuilding in the border areas, for sustainable benefit of the peoples of both nations.
