On 11 - 12 October 2023 Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin paid an official visit to Malaysia upon the invitation of Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim, Prime Minister of Malaysia. This is Prime Minister Srettha’s first official visit to Malaysia.

In the afternoon of 11 October 2023 Prime Minister Srettha had a royal audience with Yang di-Pertuan Agong, the Sultan of Malaysia, at Istana Negara, Kuala Lumpur. The Prime Minister underlined the purpose of this visit, which is to enhance bilateral relations and foster concrete cooperation in all dimensions.

Following the royal audience, Prime Minister Srettha and Prime Minister Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim of Malaysia had a full bilateral meeting at the Government House in Putrajaya. Both sides agreed to boost bilateral cooperation by establishing Task Forces in 4 areas, namely (1) border trade, trade and investment, (2) agriculture and food, (3) tourism and (4) security.

On border trade, trade and investment, both leaders agreed that there is still room for economic cooperation between the two countries. Both sides should set a new trade target with concrete goals and plans for implementation. Prime Minister Srettha invited more investment from Malaysia, especially in the automotive industry.

Both sides also agreed to expedite important infrastructure development projects linking Thailand and Malaysia, namely (1) the road alignment linking the new ICQ Sadao and the ICQS Bukit Kayu Hitam, and (2) the 2^nd bridge of Su-ngai Kolok and Rantau Panjang.

On food and agriculture, the Prime Minister informed Malaysian Prime Minister that Thailand’s strength in food security can be a basis for Thailand and Malaysia’s cooperation. Both countries can do more on Halal industry,   food technology and plant-based food.

Both sides agreed to enhance the number of tourists by easing the border crossing process. In this regard, Prime Minister was informed of Malaysia’s plan to unify all border related agencies into one to facilitate cross border activities.

In terms of security, the two Prime Ministers were pleased that both sides have achieved much progress in promoting peace and stability in the Southern Border Provinces (SBP) of Thailand. The Malaysian side supported the current Thai Government’s intention to enhance economic development and prosperity in the SBP.

The Prime Minister also met with Mr. Syed Mokhtar Albukhary, owner of Proton, a Malaysian automobile manufacturer, and Mr. Li Shufu, chairman of Zhejiang Geely Group. Both companies expressed their interests in jointly investing in an electric vehicle production in Thailand.

In the evening, the Prime Minister of Malaysia hosted a welcoming dinner in honour of the Prime Minister of Thailand with the warm and friendly  atmosphere.