New Ambassador Targets Closer Malaysia-Thailand Economic & Border Cooperation
By Kenny Teng
BANGKOK, Oct 12 (Bernama) -- Malaysia's new Ambassador to Thailand, Wan Zaidi Wan Abdullah, has pledged to further strengthen bilateral ties between both nations, with a strong focus on boosting trade, enhancing border connectivity, expanding the tourism sector and supporting peace efforts in southern Thailand.
Wan Zaidi, 56, from Johor, said Malaysia and Thailand have never experienced strained relations, describing the partnership as one built on "trust, mutual respect and shared history" as close neighbours in ASEAN.
"We share one of the longest land borders in the region and are natural partners in ASEAN. Our relations have always been excellent," he told Bernama in an exclusive interview here recently.
He emphasised that a key priority during his tenure will be advancing economic cooperation, particularly trade. Currently, Malaysia and Thailand enjoy a balanced trade partnership, with Malaysia holding a slight surplus.
"Our goal is not competition but expansion through cooperation," he said, adding that both sides have set a target to increase total bilateral trade to US$30 billion by 2027, from around US$24-26 billion at present.
To achieve this, the ambassador plans to work closely with Thai authorities to address tariff issues, prevent dumping, provide preferential treatment where possible and modernise trade promotion methods.
He added that both countries have vast potential to elevate cooperation in emerging areas such as the digital economy, innovation, renewable energy and sustainable development, especially as ASEAN moves towards a greener and more resilient future.
Wan Zaidi, who previously served as Malaysia's Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, also highlighted the importance of making cross-border trade smoother and more efficient.
He said both governments are exploring streamlined customs procedures, coordinated inspections and even a potential "single border inspection" model similar to the Malaysia-Singapore system to ease the movement of goods and vehicles.
He noted that improved connectivity, including road and railway alignment such as the Sadao-Bukit Kayu Hitam linkage, is crucial to boosting logistics, security and economic development along the border.
"Sometimes communication stops at the border. We are now working together to align highways and improve border facilities so movement is faster and more secure," he said.
Beyond trade, the ambassador said tourism will also be a major area of focus, especially with Visit Malaysia Year 2026 approaching.
Acknowledging that Malaysia is one of the largest sources of tourists to Thailand, Wan Zaidi believes the flow can be more balanced.
"The potential of Thai visitors to Malaysia is huge.
"We are targeting more from northern Thailand to support Visit Malaysia 2026," he said, adding that improved connectivity, such as the cross-border 'MySawasdee' train service, could help boost arrivals.
Meanwhile, on security, Wan Zaidi reaffirmed Malaysia's commitment to supporting long-term peace and prosperity in southern Thailand.
He said the region has vast economic potential but has been held back by political and security challenges.
"We will continue our role as one of the facilitators of the southern Thailand peace process. The Thai government recognises our involvement, and we aim to help ensure lasting peace and enable full-scale economic and social cooperation," he said.
Wan Zaidi believes that with strong political trust, shared borders and complementary strengths, Malaysia and Thailand are well-positioned to deliver mutual growth and contribute to a more integrated, connected and resilient ASEAN.
-- BERNAMA
