Thailand and Malaysia Agree to Advance Trade Cooperation and Border Connectivity

Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim, Prime Minister of Malaysia, have agreed to advance cooperation across all dimensions, including trade, investment, food security, agricultural products, tourism, the digital economy, and energy security.

Prime Minister Anutin met the Prime Minister of Malaysia on 9 July 2026 during his two-day official visit to Malaysia on 9-10 July. In a small group meeting, both Prime Ministers confirmed their commitment to increasing cooperation in areas that are beneficial to the peoples of both countries, especially security and development of the southern border provinces of Thailand and Northern States of Malaysia through enhanced transportation connectivity, trade, and economic development of the border areas. Both sides would also increase cooperation to ensure border security management and combat transnational crimes.

In a plenary meeting, with Deputy Prime Ministers and Ministers from both countries in attendance, both Prime Ministers welcomed the close, dynamic relations and the effective bilateral mechanisms. Thailand and Malaysia will celebrate the 70th anniversary of Thailand-Malaysia diplomatic relations next year. 

Both sides also exchanged views on regional and global developments and on cooperation within ASEAN. Malaysia is currently Thailand’s top trading partner in ASEAN, its top source of tourists, and has a fast-growing digital economy. 

The two Prime Ministers also witnessed an exchange of the Memorandum of Understanding between the Government of the Kingdom of Thailand and the Government of Malaysia on Agricultural Cooperation.

In a joint press conference, Thai and Malaysian Prime Ministers highlighted a joint vision to promote security and seamless border connectivity through the development and facilitation of cross-border travel and transport of goods, especially roads and railroads, to improve the well-being of the peoples of both countries, including promoting two-way tourism. 

Both Prime Ministers will host the official opening of the new CIQ Sadao - ICQS Bukit Kayu Hitam road alignment on 10 July. 

Source: PR Thai Government 

https://thailand.prd.go.th/en/content/category/detail/id/49/iid/520615