BANGKOK: Bilateral and economic relations, trade, investment, security as well as Asean-related matters are set to be the key highlights of Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad's two-day official visit to Bangkok, which begins on Wednesday.
The visit by the prime minister, his first to the kingdom since assuming the premiership for the second time, is also expected to present a golden opportunity for the goverment leadership in realigning common directions and goals between the two countries.
Malaysian ambassador to Thailand, Datuk Jojie Samuel, in a briefing to the media at the Malaysian embassy here, said the focus and priority given by Dr Mahathir and his Thai counterpart General Prayut Chan-o-cha on bilateral and regional issues will serve as a good starting point towards further strengthening strategic cooperation between the two nations, who have enjoyed 61 years of diplomatic relations.
"Although Malaysia and Thailand enjoy solid economic partnership and cooperation, both countries believe there is a bigger and higher potential which can be explored by both sides.
"This visit will present the prime minister with an excellent opportunity to discuss with his counterpart on how to fully explore these potentials, especially economic trade at the borders, which comprise 70 per cent of the total two-way trade between Malaysia and Thailand," he said.
Malaysia is Thailand's fourth largest trading partner in the world and the largest in Asean. Thailand, meanwhile, is Malaysia's fifth largest trading partner globally and second largest among Asean countries.
There are more than 1,000 Malaysian companies operating in Thailand in various sectors such as manufacturing, banking, aviation and others.
Also high on the agenda is the security and safety of the Malaysia - Thailand southern border provinces. Dr Mahathir and Prayut are expected to address issues such as smuggling, cross-border crimes, and last but not least, the status of the Southern Thailand Peace Process.
Since 2004, the conflict in Thailand's restive south had claimed almost 7,000 lives. However, violence and the number of deaths have been on a downward trend with 235 people killed in 2017 compared to 309 in the previous year.
Thailand has appointed Malaysia as the facilitator for the talks.
Former Inspector General of Police Tan Sri Abdul Rahim Noor, who is the new facilitator for the talks, will be in the Malaysian delegation.
"A solid cooperation and clear direction in this matter will effectively contribute towards the stability, peace and prosperity of both countries," said Samuel.
Also on the cards is Thailand's chairmanship of Asean in 2019. Samuel said, given Malaysia and Thailand's roles as Asean founding members, the two countries have a key role and responsibility to develop and strengthen integration among Asean nations to develop an Asean community which is stable in terms of politics, safety, economy and socially.
"Given his wealth of experience, Dr Mahathir can discuss, share and contribute his wisdom on Asean and regional development as a whole with the Thai government," he said.
Meanwhile, Dr Mahathir has a packed schedule in store following his arrival at the Don Mueang International Airport's Military Air Terminal 2 on Wednesday morning.
The prime minister will be accompanied by his wife Tun Dr Siti Hasmah Mohamad Ali, International Trade and Industry Minister Darell Leiking, Foreign Minister Datuk Saifuddin Abdullah as well as other government representatives.
Dr Mahathir will then be given an official welcoming ceremony at the Government House by Prayut, who will accompany his Malaysian counterpart in inspecting a guard of honour.
Dr Mahathir and Prayut will then have a restricted meeting, followed by a bilateral meeting attended by the Malaysian and Thai delegations.
A joint press conference will then be held between the two premiers to announce the outcome of the discussions as well as any decisions reached by both sides on bilateral issues of common interest.
Later that evening, Prayut and his wife will host an official dinner at the Government House for Dr Mahathir, his wife and the Malaysian delegation.
The second day will see Dr Mahathir hold an interview with Thai Public Broadcasting Service (Thai PBS) before he meets with the Malaysia - Thailand Chamber of Commerce (MTCC).
The MTCC holds special significance for Dr Mahathir, who had officiated its establishment on July 6, 2002 in Bangkok during his first tenure as the prime minister.
Since its establishment, the MTCC has played a key role in promoting and developing business and economic cooperation between Malaysia and Thailand.
Dr Mahathir will also receive a courtesy visit from General Prem Tinsulanonda, who was the prime minister of Thailand from 1980 to 1988.
Prem, who is Thailand's Privy Council president, was Dr Mahathir's first Thai counterpart during the latter's first term as prime minister from when Dr Mahathir first assumed the role in 1981.
The visit is set to be a nostalgic reunion for the two close friends, both of whom are over 90-years-old.
The Privy Council serves as an advisory body for the King of Thailand and is responsible for representing the Thai ruler on any official duties. Its members are personally appointed by the King and they hold lifelong positions.
Following the visit, Dr Mahathir will then attend a lunch and special dialogue session with the Malaysian diaspora in Thailand, where he is also expected to engage attendees in a question-and-answer session.
Prior to his departure, the prime minister is expected to present a public lecture titled 'Malaysia - Thailand Bilateral Relations in the context of Asean' at Bangkok's prestigious Chulalongkorn University.
Meanwhile, Dr Siti Hasmah is also slated to attend several programmes, which include a hi-tea, hosted by the Thai prime minister's wife Naraporn Chan-o-cha, at the Phitsanulok Residence (the official residence of the Thai prime minister). Dr Siti Hasmah will also attend a meet-and-greet session with the Foreign Ministry Women's Association Bangkok.
Both she and Dr Mahathir are expected to depart for Malaysia around 5.30pm.
