Thailand and Malaysia target US$30bn trade by 2027

Thailand and Malaysia reaffirmed their commitment to achieving US$30 billion in bilateral trade by 2027 during ministerial talks in Bangkok on October 27, 2026, while backing faster progress on border transport projects and closer security cooperation.

Thai Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow and Malaysian Foreign Minister Dato’ Seri Utama Haji Mohamad bin Haji Hasan led the discussions at the Waldorf Astoria Bangkok during Mohamad’s working visit to Thailand on October 27–28.

The ministers co-chaired the seventh ministerial meeting of the Thailand–Malaysia Committee on Joint Development Strategy for Border Areas (JDS) and the 16th meeting of the Joint Commission for Bilateral Cooperation (JC), according to Thailand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Thailand and Malaysia agreed to convene the fourth Joint Trade Committee meeting at the earliest opportunity to strengthen economic cooperation and discuss a new trade target, alongside their existing commitment to US$30 billion by 2027.

Thailand and Malaysia press for faster border links

Thailand and Malaysia supported accelerating construction of a parallel bridge across the Kolok River and restoring the Su-ngai Kolok–Rantau Panjang railway service.

The JDS meeting reviewed progress under its 2024–2027 strategic plan. Both sides expressed confidence that a more active approach to joint border development would improve living conditions for communities on either side.

The ministers welcomed completion of the road connecting Thailand’s new Sadao customs checkpoint with Malaysia’s Bukit Kayu Hitam checkpoint.

The JDS meeting also noted discussions on proposals to extend checkpoint operating hours and encouraged stronger links between the two countries’ border special economic zones.

Thailand and Malaysia welcomed the establishment of the Joint Ministerial Committee on Transport Cooperation, describing it as an important mechanism for advancing cross-border connections.

Ministers back joint security forum and draft agreements

Thailand and Malaysia supported using the Joint Working Committee on Security Cooperation as a policy-level forum for managing border security.

The JDS meeting also encouraged the early completion of memoranda of understanding on education and labour, with the aim of signing them during the eighth annual consultation between the two prime ministers.

The ministers’ bilateral discussions before the formal meetings covered border security, economic cooperation and regional developments. Both sides welcomed the positive momentum in relations following the Thai prime minister’s official visit to Malaysia in July 2026 and agreed that the JDS and JC meetings should deliver concrete progress.

Thailand prepares to host leaders’ talks in anniversary year

Thailand will host the eighth annual consultation between the two prime ministers as the countries prepare to celebrate the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations in 2027.

Sihasak and Mohamad discussed preparations for high-level visits and activities to mark the anniversary, alongside efforts to advance cooperation through the two bilateral mechanisms.

Thailand congratulated Malaysia on its successful chairmanship of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in 2025. Malaysia reaffirmed its support for Thailand’s ASEAN chairmanship in 2028.

Both ministerial meetings adopted their respective records of discussion, and Thailand and Malaysia agreed that Malaysia would host the eighth JDS ministerial meeting and the 17th JC meeting.

Sihasak and Mohamad held a joint press conference after the meetings. Sihasak later hosted a dinner in honour of the Malaysian foreign minister and his delegation.