Thai-Malaysian relations

Thai-Malaysian relations

The downturn in Thai-Malaysian relations can be reversed by less belligerence and more dialogue. The worsening relations between the Thai and Malaysian governments is bad news for both countries. The deterioration of the two nations once-cherished neighborly ties has reached a new low point, with leaders no longer even on speaking terms.

Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra and his Malaysian counterpart, Abdullah Badawi, no longer bother to make even the slightest attempt at fence-mending. Instead, they have allowed bilateral relations to worsen precipitously. Hostile verbal exchanges made by Thai and Malaysian officials through the mass media have become the main channel of miscommunication. It's all adding up to a growing sense of distrust. -- The Nation, Bangkok