Bangkok: The Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport of Thailand, Mr. Suriya Juangroongruangkit, recently engaged in discussions with the Malaysian Minister of Transport, HE Loke Siew Fook, to enhance cooperation in transportation. The meeting focused on restoring the Sungai Kolok - Rantau Pang railway line, aiming to strengthen economic and travel connectivity between Thailand and Malaysia.
According to Thai News Agency, the meeting occurred at the Ministry of Transport, where Mr. Suriya, along with Permanent Secretary Mr. Chaiyatham Promsorn and other relevant agencies, welcomed the Malaysian delegation. This dialogue follows the official visit of Thailand's Prime Minister, Ms. Paetongtarn Shinawatra, to Malaysia in December 2024, highlighting the commitment of both nations to foster bilateral relations. The discussions emphasized developing international infrastructure to boost the economy, trade, tourism, and border area development.
The road transport dialogue included expediting two draft memorandums of understanding between the countries. These drafts focus on the cross-border transport of goods (CBTG) and passengers (CBTP), with a target to finalize and sign them by July 2025. The aim is to enhance economic activities, address freight transport issues, and facilitate travel while ensuring equal rights in road transport. Furthermore, both countries plan to integrate digital driving license data with international driving licenses via ASEAN mechanisms.
In the rail transport sector, the rehabilitation of the Sungai Kolok - Rantau Panyang railway was a focal point. The State Railway of Thailand and Malaysian Railways (KTMB) were tasked to develop a clear plan for reopening this route. This effort aligns with Malaysia's East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) project, expected to launch in late 2026. Discussions also included facilitating international rail freight transport, particularly through single-window inspection (SSI) to expedite goods inspection processes.
Mr. Suriya stressed the need for seamless customs procedures, particularly on the Malaysian side, to handle increased future goods transport efficiently. Both sides were pleased with the forthcoming resumption of the Bangkok Central Station - Padang Besar - Butterworth, Penang train service, slated for July 2025, to enhance international connectivity.
The Malaysian Minister reported progress on the Perlis Inland Port (PIP), located near the Padang Besar border. The port, under construction, is anticipated to commence its first phase in 2025, aiming to ease logistics congestion from the Padang Besar Container Terminal (PBCT).
Mr. Suriya expressed optimism about the discussions, viewing them as a significant step towards strengthening regional connectivity and delivering tangible benefits to the people of both Thailand and Malaysia.