Former Malaysian prime minister Mahathir Mohamad vowed yesterday to push for various joint development projects along the Thai-Malay border.
Projects to improve tourist immigration procedures between the two countries would be at the top of the list, Mr Mahathir said during a visit to Satun province yesterday.
The proposals would benefit tourism in Satun and Malaysia's neighbouring Langkawi in particular, he said.
The former Malaysian PM described Satun and the Malaysian archipelago as "sister cities", saying a large number of tourists and businesspeople travelled between them.
Malaysia's continuing development of Langkawi International Airport would help boost tourism in Satun, he said.
Mr Mahathir's visit to Thailand was aimed at strengthening relations between Satun and Malaysia's Perlis state.
Each year, large numbers of Malaysian tourists travel to Satun, mostly on their way to Koh Tarutao and Koh Lipe, he said.
Thai businessmen in Satun would also be encouraged to invest in Langkawi, which is renowned for its tax free shopping, he said.