Deputy Prime Minister of Thailand, Somsak Thepsutin, has recently embarked on a pivotal diplomacy mission to Malaysia, with a partnership restoration intent in all aspects, including the resolution of insurgency-related issues in the southern border provinces of Pattani, Yala, and Narathiwat. As the chair of the strategic committee overseeing the development of Thailand’s southern provinces, Mr. Thepsutin’s visit is of significant relevance.
Mr. Thepsutin set foot in the Malaysian State of Kelantan on a Friday, making headlines and subsequently engaging in critical discussions with influential Malaysian industry figures. His meeting roster included hoteliers, frozen chicken importers, and established property developers, all based in Kota Bharu. Furthermore, the Thai consulate-general at Kota Bharu, Pasit Juthaputhi, and representatives from Bhumjaithai and Palang Pracharath – coalition parties originating from Narathiwat – provided their valuable presence alongside Mr. Thepsutin.
Another crucial part of Mr. Somsak’s diplomatic mission was engaging in discussions with Kelantan’s police chief, Pol Lt Gen Muhamad Zaki Bin Haji Harun. The latter expressed his confidence in the continuously improving Thailand-Malaysia relations, which he primarily attributes to enhanced communication and coordination mechanisms between the countries’ MPs.
Kelantan’s police chief brought a serious issue into the spotlight; urging Thailand to intensify its efforts in preventing smuggling of illegal laborers across the mutual border. He highlighted the strong correlation between illegal workers and crime as well as drug abuse issues. He further endorsed the Thai government’s interest in developing a cross-border bridge to connect the two nations. While acknowledging the significant time demanded by such a project, he foresees its potential benefits in aiding citizens on both sides to boost trade.
Mr. Somsak echoed the police chief’s sentiments on the bridge, expressing his aspirations for the project to come into fruition soon. He shared anecdotes of his conversations with Malaysian businesspeople who demonstrated interest in constructing a large-scale private hospital and venturing into the halal food industry. They also expressed their desires to establish an international university in the borderland. Conversations around these topics are far from complete and necessitate further in-depth analysis and deliberation.
The subject of a railway connection between the two countries was also on the agenda. As a tricky endeavor due to the different track gauges in Malaysia and Thailand, addressing this disparity would necessitate a strategic approach.
The Thai Deputy Prime Minister underscored the importance and significance of his visit, noting that it’s the first diplomatic mission carried out by a high-ranking Thai official in a decade. In a hopeful tone, he expressed his desire to see more meetings between senior officials from both nations, focusing on addressing pivotal issues in Thailand’s three southernmost provinces.
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