PM Anwar's Visit To Thailand Enhances Economic Cooperation And Regional Stability
By Kenny Teng dan Tuwaedaniya Meringing
BANGKOK, April 20 (Bernama) – Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s official working visit to Thailand recently not only marked a significant step in strengthening bilateral ties between Kuala Lumpur and Bangkok, but also signalled meaningful progress in the strategic and proactive joint efforts by both countries towards regional stability and shared interests.
Director of the East Asian Studies Institute at Thammasat University, Associate Professor Dr Chaiwat Meesanthan, said Anwar's visit had a very positive impact on Thailand, particularly in relation to the issue of the rise in United States tariffs, peace in Myanmar, and regional stability.
Among the key focus areas during the meeting between Anwar and Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra were bilateral relations and cooperation on cross-border infrastructure projects, particularly in southern Thailand.
"This can be interpreted as a recognition of the special relationship between the two countries, as well as Thailand's role in ASEAN, making Bangkok a regional diplomatic platform," he said when contacted by Bernama.
Chaiwat said that Malaysia and Thailand have shown their readiness to act as an ASEAN bloc, rather than individually, in addressing the issue of US tariffs.
“This approach not only strengthens ASEAN's negotiating power on the international stage but also showcases Anwar's leadership in formulating a more resilient economic approach towards the protectionist policies of the United States," he noted.
He added that Anwar's meeting with Myanmar leaders, including the military regime and the National Unity Government (NUG), was a significant step in ASEAN diplomacy to restore peace in the country.
"Anwar has demonstrated a commitment to an inclusive approach that can breathe new life into the peace process in Myanmar, particularly in aspects such as opening humanitarian aid channels, extending the ceasefire period, and fostering trust between the conflicting parties," Chaiwat stated.
However, he emphasised that long-term success depends on the willingness of the parties in Myanmar to engage in continuous dialogue.
Meanwhile, Associate Professor Dr. Muhammad Ilyas Yahprung, a lecturer at the Faculty of Political Science of Ramkhamhaeng University Bangkok, also praised Anwar's actions in successfully facilitating discussions with the two main parties involved in the Myanmar conflict, namely the junta and the NUG.
According to him, Malaysia, under Anwar's leadership, is seen to be renewing a more flexible and practical approach, thus opening up space and opportunities for Myanmar to be more prepared to cooperate with ASEAN in seeking a resolution to the conflict in the country, which has persisted since February 2021.
This is Anwar's second visit to Thailand since becoming Prime Minister in 2022, following his first visit in 2023, during which he met with General Prayut Chan-o-cha, the then Prime Minister of Thailand.
In 2024, Thailand was Malaysia's seventh-largest trading partner globally and the third-largest among ASEAN member countries, with a trade value reaching US$25.03 billion (RM114.56 billion).
Between January and February 2025, bilateral trade between the two countries amounted to US$3.96 billion (RM17.65 billion), up from US$3.67 billion (RM16.80 billion) recorded during the same period in 2024.
-- BERNAMA
