Thailand and Malaysia Align on Border Fence to Block Smuggling
Thailand and Malaysia have agreed to build a border fence aimed at stopping smuggling operations, with both nations emphasizing the project protects legitimate cross-border movement while securing the region.
At 2 p.m. on September 11, 2025, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sihasak Puangketkaw chaired the first meeting of the Strategic Committee for Southern Border Province Development (SBPDC) in two years. Sihasak noted this was the committee's first gathering in two years and meetings would become more frequent. Today's agenda would address multiple issues concerning the Thailand-Malaysia border situation, with emphasis on economic development in the southern border provinces.
Sihasak also chairs the Special Representatives Committee for solving southern border problems, overseeing strategy across security, social, and peace-building dimensions. The committee will assess current conditions from recent incidents and urgently identify solutions while protecting public safety in the region.
"The most pressing concern is intelligence work, which involves multiple agencies," Sihasak said. "We must consolidate data for joint assessment to make swift decisions when situations arise. Similarly, community engagement operations must focus on understanding, accessibility, and development, and cannot be separated from the broader situation. All parties must work together."
Sihasak noted that during his recent Malaysia visit, discussions on border security and Thailand-Malaysia border development revealed Malaysia's full commitment. Malaysia emphasized the importance of the issue as it benefits people on both sides.
Both countries agree that a border fence is not about blocking people, but about preventing illegal smuggling of contraband across the border. Details of implementation and design will be discussed further. Malaysia confirmed it does not want its territory used for activities that would undermine Thailand's security.
