In an effort to boost investment, a recent Malaysian proposal to Thailand could see private companies and startups become involved in the creation of special economic zones ( SEZs ) in the kingdom’s southern regions.
The proposal was made available to Thai Foreign Minister Maris Sangiampongsa during a kindness visit on August 6 according to Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim.
Their role, both from start-up and private companies, may draw more investment into the SEZ.
In a post on Facebook the following morning, he wrote,” In fact, I also suggest that Kelantan take the opportunity to construct businesses along the Sungai Golok, which is located along the boundary between Malaysia and Thailand.
Mr. Anwar and Mr. Maris also discussed the outcomes of Mr. Anwar’s and Mr. Maris ‘ working encounter with Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisn at Sungai Golok, Thailand, and Rantau Panjang, Kelatan, on August 3.
The leaders spoke about the food and foam industries during the working visit.
Mr. Anwar and Mr. Maris discussed dredging the Sungai Golok river in order to address flooding issues in his Instagram article.
This would be beneficial for the areas that are located near the border of the two nations, which almost always experience flood issues.
Mr. Anwar also emphasized Malaysia’s devotion to the Southern Thailand Peace Dialogue Process.
He added that “both countries have agreed for Malaysia to sponsor the sixth Annual Consultation on September 19, 2024.”
Malaysia is a mediator of peace talks that have amounted to decades of fight that erupted in the southern regions of Narathiwat, Yala, Pattani, and pieces of Songkhla.
Mohd Rabin Basir, a former director-general of the National Security Council, was appointed as the new South Thai Peace Dialogue Process’s fresh Malaysian authorities mediator effective on July 1.
In 10 of the country’s 10 provinces, the Thai government has made significant progress in creating Special SEZs. These are  , spread across the counties of Chiang Rai, Narathiwat, Tak, Nong Khai, Trat, Kanchanaburi, Mukdahan, Songkhla, Sa Kaeo and Nakhon Phanom.
Songkhla and Narathiwat borders Malaysia.
The president’s initial push for the SEZ scheme was motivated by the government’s belief that the 10 areas have a strong potential for trade, investment, and economic ties with neighboring countries.