Thailand and Malaysia Strengthen Border Security Cooperation
Thailand and Malaysia have agreed to strengthen security cooperation along their shared border and share intelligence information in order to improve peace in the border areas of both countries, following an attack by rebels in southern Thailand.
In his address, Thai Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow said on Monday that the two countries had agreed to coordinate plans for border security fencing to avoid overlapping activities and to prevent cross-border crime and drug smuggling in vulnerable areas.
Sihasak made the remarks after a meeting in Kuala Lumpur with Malaysian Foreign Minister Mohamad Hasan and the Director-General of the National Security Council, Raja Nurshirwan bin Zainal Abidin.
The high-level meeting continued earlier negotiations between the leaders of Thailand and Malaysia in July 2026, which aimed to address security issues following violence in southern Thailand on 22 July and 22 August.
Among the matters agreed were the immediate and expedited exchange of intelligence information to provide a rapid response to security threats along the border.
At the Joint Council meeting in October, the two countries will discuss strengthening cross-border trade and review major infrastructure projects, including roads, bridges and railway lines.
Regarding peace efforts, Thailand is committed to continuing peace negotiations for the southern region, led by the Director of Thailand’s National Intelligence Agency, Thanat Suwannanon.
Malaysia is currently selecting a new facilitator for the peace dialogue. Sihasak stressed that the process depends on stability in the region, and invited all elements of the rebel group Barisan Revolsi Nasional (BRN) to end the violence and allow greater public participation in the negotiations.
Several Malaysian officials at the meeting also stressed that Thailand’s security is directly linked to Malaysia’s.
Malaysia also assured Thailand that its territory would not be permitted to be used as a base for illegal operations to attack Thailand.