Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra plans to visit Malaysia next month to enhance bilateral ties, focusing on trade and border security improvements.
This announcement follows Deputy Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul’s meeting with Malaysian Ambassador Datuk Jojie Samuel during his farewell visit, where they discussed pressing issues along the southern border that necessitate increased collaboration.
Anutin highlighted that PM Paetongtarn’s December visit will prioritise border management discussions to yield mutual benefits for Thailand and Malaysia. He noted that talks would also cover the construction of a second friendship bridge over the Sungai Kolok River, linking Narathiwat province in Thailand with Rantau Panjang in Malaysia, aimed at boosting logistics and tourism.
In a related development, Justice Minister Tawee Sodsong led a Thai delegation, including Lada Phumas, Ambassador of Thailand to Malaysia, and Suriyapong Tubtimtae, director of the Arbitration Institute, to the Kuala Lumpur Forum on International Arbitration 2024.
This forum, titled The Future of International Arbitration – Reforms and Innovations in Malaysia, was attended at the invitation of Azalina Othman Said, Minister of the Malaysian Prime Minister’s Department on Legal and Institute Revolution, who chaired the event.
The forum’s objective was to exchange insights on effective international arbitration models, foster innovations supporting arbitration work, and establish networks to advance arbitration in the Southeast Asian region.
During discussions with Said, Malaysia reiterated its readiness to lead regional arbitration efforts and collaborate with Thailand in developing arbitration work to adapt to the “digital justice” era.
Following the forum, Tawee and his delegation met with Tan Sri Dato’ Johari Abdul, Speaker of the Malaysian House of Representatives, at the Malaysian parliament. Their talks focused on strengthening cooperation between the Thai and Malaysian parliaments, including personnel exchanges, legislative model studies, promoting peace in Thailand’s southern provinces, and supporting Thai workers in Malaysia.
The upcoming visit by the 38 year old Thai premier is expected to further solidify the cooperative framework between the two nations, addressing critical issues and promoting mutual growth and understanding in the region, reported Bangkok Post.
What Other Media Are Saying
- Thai Examiner reports on Thailand’s new six-country tourist visa and Electronic Travel Authorisation system aimed at boosting tourism while raising security concerns amid geopolitical tensions, particularly with China and the US. (read more)
- Bernama reports Malaysia and Thailand forming task forces to enhance collaboration across various sectors, aiming to boost trade and investment, particularly in agriculture, tourism, and halal industries within a month. (read more)
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions asked about this news.
Why is the construction of a second friendship bridge significant for Thailand and Malaysia?
It aims to enhance logistics and tourism, fostering economic growth and stronger bilateral ties.
How might the Kuala Lumpur Forum on International Arbitration impact regional justice systems?
Promoting innovative arbitration models could lead to more efficient and digital-friendly justice processes.
What if Thailand and Malaysia successfully strengthen border security cooperation?
Improved border security may reduce cross-border crime and boost economic activities in the region.
How could personnel exchanges between Thai and Malaysian parliaments influence bilateral relations?
They could enhance mutual understanding, leading to more effective collaboration on legislative and regional issues.
What role does digital justice play in the future of Thai-Malaysian collaboration?
It represents a shift towards modernising legal systems, potentially improving efficiency and accessibility in arbitration processes.
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