On 6 February 2024 H.E. Ms. Lada Phumas, Ambassador of Thailand to Malaysia, called on YAB Dato’ Panglima Perang Ustaz Dato’ Haji Mohd Nassuruddin bin Haji Daud, Chief Minister (Menteri Besar) of Kelantan at Office of Menteri Besar of Kelantan. Mr. Phasit Chudabuddhi, Consul-General in Kota Bharu, Mr. Worawan Wanwil, Minister-Counsellor (Commercial Affairs), and Mr. Chatchawan Worrakajohnwirat, Minister-Counsellor (Security Affairs) were also present at the meeting.

 

The Ambassador expressed her appreciation for the opportunity to call on the Chief Minister during her first visit to Kelantan, and underscored the special bonds between Thailand and Kelantan through shared border and kinship between the people who frequently crossing the border to visit each other. Thailand is also the only country that established a Consulate-General in Kelantan. During this visit, the Ambassador inspected the border checkpoints between Kelantan State and Narathiwat Province, had a meeting with Thai agencies in Narathiwat province, and met with Siamese community in Kelantan.

 

Both sides discussed the development of the parallel bridge linking Su-ngai Ko-lok and Rantau Panjang checkpoints, security cooperation on prevention and suppression of cross-border crimes. The Ambassador also sought cooperation from the State of Kelantan on the matters which were discussed in the meeting with Thai agencies in Narathiwat Province, while reiterating the Embassy’s readiness to work closely with the State of Kelantan to further strengthen the relations between Thailand - Kelantan and overall Malaysia. On this occasion, the Ambassador expressed her appreciation to the Chief Minister for good cooperation between Kelantan and the Royal Thai Consulate-General in Kota Bharu, the jurisdiction of which covers Kelantan and Terengganu.

 

The Chief Minister expressed his warm welcome to the Ambassador, who was the first ambassador to call on him since assuming his position. The Chief Minister who is well-familiar with Thailand reaffirmed his continued cooperation with Thailand, particularly the areas under the purview of the State of Kelantan, while reassuring his close collaboration with the Royal Thai Consulate-General in Kota Bahru, including overseeing the well-being of the Thais in Kelantan. In addition, the Chief Minister welcomed the progress of the parallel bridge project which will further facilitate border crossing for those residing in the area.

 

An afternoon tea was hosted in honour of Ambassador and the Thai delegation on this occasion. In expressing appreciation, the Ambassador presented souvenir, including Thai rice, to the Chief Minister, a high-level Friend of Thailand in Malaysia, who will play a crucial role in supporting and advancing the concrete deliverables of the related projects of Thailand.