Land travel between Kuala Lumpur and Bangkok might soon be faster and more convenient with a high-speed rail (HSR) between the two cities might be built following an agreement between Malaysia and Thailand to conduct a feasibility study on the matter. As reported by national news agency Bernama, the agreement was made between the two countries during Prime Minister Dato’ Sri Ismail Sabri Yaakob’s official visit to our neighbour up north to meet with his Thai counterpart Prayuth Chan-o-cha.
Commenting on his meeting with Chan-o-cha at the Thailand’s Government House in Bangkok, Ismail Sabri confirmed that both leaders discussed about the future need of building a high-speed rail between Kuala Lumpur and Bangkok. The Prime Minister also asserted that Malaysia is conducting a study in order to implement the HSR and that related ministries and departments have been asked to take immediate action on the matter.
Apart from discussing a potential KL-Bangkok HSR, both leaders also agreed to resume consultations on implementing two friendship bridge projects across the Malaysia-Thailand border. These include a bridge across Sungai Golok in Kelantan, which is the second link between Rantau Panjang-Sungai Golok bridge as well as a new bridge between Pengakalan Kubor and Tak Bai.
Furthermore, both countries also pledged to boost cooperation under the framework of the Indonesia-Malaysia-Thailand Growth Triangle (IMT-GT), especially through the implementation of Physical Connectivity Projects (PCP).
Ismail Sabri stressed,
“It is important for Malaysia and Thailand to give focus to the three main focus areas namely Agriculture and Agro-based Industries; Tourism as well as Halal Products and Services; and the realisation of the integrated, innovative, inclusive and sustainable 2036 IMTGT Vision,”
Thailand is one of Malaysia’s oldest allies whereby both countries have forged diplomatic ties for 65 years, which is since our country’s independence in 1957.
What do you guys think of the prospect of a HSR between Kuala Lumpur and Bangkok? Share your thoughts with us in the comments.
Also read: Malaysia & Thailand Agrees To Implement VTL For Air, Land & Sea Travel Soon