'Thai-Malaysia' Discussing Revival of Sungai Kolok - Rantau Panjang Railway Line
Thai Post, May 2, 2025, 17:09
Suriya Consults with Malaysian Minister of Transport to Advance Transportation Cooperation, Revive Sungai Kolok - Rantau Panjang Railway Line, Connecting Economic Transport and Travel between Thailand and Malaysia
May 2, 2025 Mr. Suriya Juangroongruangkit, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport, welcomed H.E. Loke Siew Fook, Minister of Transport of Malaysia, on the occasion of his visit to Thailand. They discussed cooperation and exchanged views on the development of transportation networks and the upgrading of transportation connectivity between Thailand and Malaysia to be more convenient, faster, and safer. This visit by the Malaysian side follows the official visit to Malaysia by Ms. Paetongtarn Shinawatra, the Prime Minister, in December 2024, reflecting the strong political will of both sides to strengthen relations and promote bilateral cooperation.
The focus is on the development of international infrastructure and transportation to promote the economy, trade, tourism, and joint border area development. This meeting discussed important issues related to road and rail transport to enhance connectivity efficiency, facilitate public travel and goods transport, as well as support regional integration.
Regarding road transport, both sides agreed to expedite the consideration of two draft Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) between Thailand and Malaysia: 1. Draft MOU on Cross-Border Goods Transport between Thailand and Malaysia; 2. Draft MOU on Cross-Border Passenger Transport between Thailand and Malaysia. These are aimed at supporting economic activities, resolving goods transport problems, facilitating travel for citizens of both countries, and ensuring equal road transport rights. The goal is to finalize negotiations and sign both draft MOUs by July 2025. They also supported the approach of linking digital driver's license information with international driving permits through the ASEAN mechanism to achieve concrete results.
Mr. Suriya stated that regarding rail transport, discussions were held on the revival of the Sungai Kolok Rantau Panjang railway line. The meeting assigned the State Railway of Thailand (SRT) and Keretapi Tanah Melayu (KTMB) to use the KTMB SRT Joint Conference mechanism to jointly consider the process and set a clear plan for the resumption of services. This aims to revive the cross-border transportation network of the past and align with the development of Malaysia's East Coast Rail Link (ECRL), which is under construction and scheduled to open in the fourth quarter of 2026. Furthermore, discussions were held on facilitating international rail freight transport, particularly promoting the implementation of Single Window Inspection (SWI) at the point of entry, which will significantly reduce goods inspection time.
Mr. Suriya emphasized the importance of close coordination between relevant agencies of both sides, especially the Malaysian side's customs procedures preparedness, to ensure seamless and efficient operations that can accommodate the expected increase in future freight volume.
Both sides also expressed satisfaction with the resumption of train services on the Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal Padang Besar Butterworth (Penang) route, which is in the preparation phase and is expected to commence its first service within July 2025. This is considered an important mechanism for promoting international connectivity and facilitating travel for citizens of both countries as well.
This joint discussion is an important opportunity to reaffirm the shared intentions of both sides, exchange views, and set guidelines for future cooperation. We believe that this discussion will lead to concrete progress in strengthening connectivity between Thailand and Malaysia, and at the regional level, for the well-being of the people of both countries, said Mr. Suriya.
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