Thai, Malaysian PM Discuss Flood Mitigation and Cross-Border Development

BANGKOK, March 6 (Bernama) -- Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra and her Malaysian counterpart, Anwar Ibrahim, held discussions on flood mitigation and cross-border infrastructure development on Thursday.

Thai government spokesperson Jirayu Huangsap said Paetongtarn -- who is currently on her official visit to Germany -- and Anwar had a telephone conversation on Thursday and exchanged views on the importance of addressing flooding in the Golok River basin.

Paetongtarn emphasised Thailand's commitment to resolving this issue to alleviate the difficulties faced by residents in the affected areas.

"The Malaysian Prime Minister expressed his gratitude to Prime Minister Paetongtarn and the Thai government for their assistance in flood management, energy cooperation, and trade and investment collaboration between the two countries," Jirayu said in a statement.

Jirayu said Paetongtarn also urged Malaysia to expedite the preparation of a draft Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) or agreement on the recognition of survey results and the establishment of permanent border markers along the Golok River.

"This also includes a draft MoU on the Integrated River Basin Management (IRBM) plan for the Golok River. These documents aim to establish mechanisms and collaborative frameworks to resolve the issue systematically and sustainably," he explained.

Jirayu said the Thai Prime Minister also urged Malaysia to speed up the completion of the road construction project connecting the new Sadao border checkpoint in Songkhla Province with Malaysia's Bukit Kayu Hitam checkpoint.

"The Thai side expects its section of the road to be completed by October this year, enabling the new checkpoint to enhance trade and facilitate travel for the people of both countries. This new border checkpoint will benefit trade and mobility between Thailand and Malaysia," he added.

Thailand and Malaysia share a long border. Over the years, both nations have initiated several projects to enhance connectivity, trade, and cooperation.

Among the ongoing border projects are the expansion of the Sadao-Bukit Kayu Hitam checkpoint, with both sides constructing connecting roads to streamline logistics, and the upgrading of the Rantau Panjang Sungai Kolok checkpoint to facilitate border crossings.

-- BERNAMA