Thailand and Malaysia have agreed to push for seamless transport of overland cargo across the southern border, according to government spokeswoman Narumon Pinyosinwat.
Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha met with Malaysian counterpart Mahathir Mohamad on the sidelines of the 35th Asean Summit and Related Summits on Saturday, where both agreed on plans to facilitate goods traffic at the border.
An agreement was made to improve border infrastructure and work towards signing an MoU on cross-border freight transport, which will contribute to seamless connectivity between Bangkok, Penang, Johor Bahru and Singapore.
Gen Prayut hoped Malaysia will allow more imports from Thailand, to help raise people's income in the southern provinces, said Ms Narumon. The two countries will also work together to combat the smuggling of contraband goods along their common border.
Dr Mahathir, meanwhile, congratulated Gen Prayut on the success of Thailand's Asean chairmanship this year.
Gen Prayut took the opportunity to thank Malaysia's government for inviting the Thai delegation for peace talks in the deep South and for supporting Thai efforts to restore peace in the border provinces.
Dr Mahathir reiterated Malaysia's rejection of separatism in the deep South, said Ms Narumon.