Thailand Committed To Connecting Missing Links To Boost Regional Trade, Says Anutin

BUKIT KAYU HITAM, July 10 (Bernama) -- Thailand is committed to completing all missing transport links to ensure smoother movement of people and goods from Malaysia to upper Thailand and beyond, including China and Russia, said Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul.

He said the commitment was part of Thailand’s efforts to strengthen regional connectivity and maximise the economic potential between both countries through enhanced land and sea linkages.

Anutin said the new road alignment linking the Sadao Customs, Immigration and Quarantine (CIQ) Complex in Thailand and the Bukit Kayu Hitam Immigration, Customs, Quarantine and Security (ICQS) Complex in Kedah, Malaysia, was a result of joint efforts between the two governments to facilitate cross-border movement.

“Thailand will connect all the missing links to make sure that, in the near future, people, merchandise, and anything from Malaysia will reach the upper part of Thailand, or even cross going beyond to China, to Russia if possible, with the shortest time,” he said.

He said this in his speech at the inauguration ceremony of the new road alignment linking the Bukit Kayu Hitam ICQS Complex and the Sadao CIQ Complex here today.

The ceremony was jointly officiated by Anutin and Malaysian Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

He said the connectivity would work both ways, allowing goods from Thailand and China to pass through Malaysia to Singapore and Indonesia more efficiently.

“This is the interconnecting link between our two countries, and that is the commitment that my government can render to you (Malaysia),” he said.

Anutin said the new road alignment would facilitate cross-border travel and movement of goods while reducing congestion at the checkpoint, which is the busiest crossing along the Malaysia-Thailand border.

He said both countries had also discussed further connectivity initiatives involving Songkhla-Kedah, Satun-Perlis and Narathiwat-Kelantan to unlock the economic potential of southern Thailand and northern Malaysia.

“Better connectivity will unlock the full potential of southern Thailand and northern Malaysia. As we continue to make progress on connectivity projects, we will also deepen our cooperation to boost local economies, create job opportunities, and improve the well-being of people living along our shared border,” he said.

Anutin also expressed appreciation to Anwar for his support and close cooperation in strengthening bilateral ties between the two countries.

He said both governments were committed to resolving outstanding issues, including border procedures and facilitating easier movement for people from both countries.

Earlier, Anwar, accompanied by his wife Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, welcomed Anutin and his wife Thananon Charnvirakul at the ceremony at the Malaysia-Thailand border.

Anutin arrived in Malaysia yesterday for a two-day official visit at the invitation of Anwar.

– BERNAMA