On 20 June 2023, H.E. Ambassador Lada and the Thai delegation from the Office of the National Economic and Social Council (NESDC), Southern Border Provinces Administrative Centre (SBPAC), Federation of Thai Industries (FTI), Thai Chamber of Commerce and Board of Trade of Thailand were briefed on the Sadao Customs House’s operation including the preparation to kick off operation of the new Sadao Customs House by Mr. Phadermdach Mungkung, Director of Sadao Customs House at Office of new Sadao Customs House, Songkhla province of Thailand.

H.E. Ambassador Lada also led the delegation to visit a construction site of the Road Alignment Linking CIQ Sadao – ICQS Bukit Kayu Hitam across the two checkpoints. The Delegation acknowledged the priority of the Project which would further promote connectivity and facilitate cross-border travelling of Thais and Malaysians as well as expand transportation channels of goods between Thailand and Malaysia.

On the same day, the Delegation met with Mr. Mohd Ridzzuan Bin Mohd Zain Director, Immigration Department of Kedah State, Mr. Rosli Bin Issak, Head of ICQS Bukit Kayu Hitam Immigration and relevant authorities from Royal Malaysian Customs Department and Immigration Department at Office of Immigration Department, ICQS Bukit Kayu Hitam. H.E. Ambassador Lada discussed and exchanged information on cross-border transportation of goods and passengers in the areas of Songkla province and Kedah State. In this regard, she expressed the Embassy and the Consulate-General in Penang’s readiness to continue good cooperation with ICQS Bukit Kayu Hitam and Kedah State. The Malaysian side likewise expressed readiness to continue support and good cooperation with the Thai side.

The Connectivity Project is part of the Embassy’s initiative. The Thai Delegation’s visit to the NCER succeeded in raising awareness of the importance of economic benefits of Thailand-Malaysia’s borders among Thai public and private agencies. In addition, it provided an opportunity for the Delegation to discuss areas of cooperation and collaboration with key Malaysian agencies to further strengthen both sides’ economic relations.