Thai government spokesman Jirayu Huangsap said Paetongtarn, who is currently on an official visit to Germany, had a telephone conversation with Anwar to exchange views on the importance of addressing flooding in the Golok River basin.

Paetongtarn emphasised Thailand’s commitment to resolving this issue to alleviate the difficulties faced by residents in the affected areas.

“Anwar expressed his gratitude to Paetongtarn and the Thai government for their assistance in flood management, energy cooperation, and trade and investment collaboration between the two countries,” Jirayu said in a statement.

He said Paetongtarn also urged Malaysia to expedite the preparation of a draft memorandum of understanding or agreement on the recognition of survey results and the establishment of permanent border markers along the Golok River.

“This also includes a draft MoU on the integrated river basin management plan for the Golok River, which aims to establish mechanisms and collaborative frameworks to resolve the issue systematically and sustainably,” he said.

Jirayu said the Thai prime minister also urged Malaysia to speed up the completion of the road construction project connecting the new Sadao border checkpoint at Songkhla province with Malaysia’s Bukit Kayu Hitam checkpoint.

“The Thai side expects its section of the road to be completed by October this year, enabling the new checkpoint to enhance trade and facilitate travel for the people of both countries. This new border checkpoint will benefit trade and mobility between Thailand and Malaysia,” he said.

Thailand and Malaysia share a long border, and over the years, both nations have initiated several projects to enhance connectivity, trade, and cooperation.

Among the ongoing border projects are the expansion of the Sadao-Bukit Kayu Hitam checkpoint, with both sides constructing connecting roads to streamline logistics.

Both countries are also working on upgrading the Rantau Panjang-Sungai Kolok checkpoint to facilitate border crossings.