Southern security, shrimp imports top agenda as Anutin visits Malaysia

Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul began his official visit to Kuala Lumpur today, at the invitation of Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, with cooperation on southern border security and Malaysia's ban on Thai shrimp imports high on the agenda.

Government spokesperson Rachada Dhnadirek said that, in a rare gesture, Anwar personally greeted Anutin upon his arrival before escorting him to an official welcoming ceremony at the airport's VIP complex.

Both leaders inspected a guard of honour before travelling together in the same vehicle to Putrajaya, Malaysia's administrative capital, for formal talks.

Rachada said the warm reception reflects the close relationship and mutual trust between the leaders of the neighbouring countries, providing a strong foundation for expanding bilateral cooperation.

She said the discussions will focus on boosting trade and investment, strengthening logistics and transport connectivity, enhancing cooperation in agriculture and tourism, and accelerating the development of border areas.

Also high on the agenda are efforts to address the long-running insurgency in Thailand's southern border provinces, combat transnational crime, human trafficking and online scams, as well as strengthen coordination within ASEAN to promote regional stability.

Joining the Thai delegation is Thanut Suvarnananda, head of the National Intelligence Agency, who also serves as chief negotiator in Thailand's peace talks with southern insurgent groups.

Anutin has said he will raise the insurgency in Thailand's deep South with Anwar following an increase in violence, including a series of bomb attacks in recent weeks.

Anwar will host an official luncheon in honour of the Thai prime minister and his delegation.

In the afternoon, Anutin is scheduled to hold a one-on-one meeting with Anwar.

In the evening, Anutin is scheduled to meet representatives of Thai businesses operating in Malaysia to hear their recommendations and discuss ways to promote trade, investment and business expansion.

"The government is committed to ensuring that the close relationship between Thailand and Malaysia delivers tangible benefits for the people of both countries through greater trade, investment, tourism, job creation and improved quality of life, while strengthening a stable and sustainable ASEAN community," Rachada said.

Agriculture Minister Suriya Juangroongruangkit has also accompanied Anutin to Malaysia and will seek to resolve Malaysia's ban on Thai shrimp imports during talks with his Malaysian counterpart.

Suriya had previously travelled to Kuala Lumpur for discussions on the issue, but the talks failed to produce a breakthrough.