BANGKOK: Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin has pledged to deepen Thai-Malaysia ties through enhanced cooperation, aiming to bring tangible benefits and improved well-being to people in both countries, especially along the border.

In his latest post on X (Twitter), Srettha said he had a discussion with his Malaysian counterpart Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim who was on a private visit to Phuket on Tuesday.

“The atmosphere while talking and dining was very close and friendly.

“I am confident this government will strengthen the Thai-Malaysia relation; expanding more cooperation for the benefit of the country and the people, especially the people in the southern border region,” he wrote.

He also shared three photos of him and Anwar during the informal meeting.

Meanwhile, Srettha said Thailand is committed to deepen Thai-Malaysia tourism cooperation.

He highlighted the recent surge of Malaysian weekend tourists to Thailand, with the average number increasing from 10,000 to 30,000.

He said Malaysia expressed the desire to woo more Thai visitors.

“Building on this shared goal, both countries aim to leverage their combined tourism potential to drive prosperity in northern Malaysia and southern Thailand, while addressing border security concerns,” he said.

Thailand welcomed 27.25 million tourists this year, and Malaysia topped the list with 4.4 million visitors as of Dec 24. - Bernama