On 12 September 2026, H.E. Ms. Lada Phumas, Ambassador of Thailand to Malaysia, led the Malaysian parliamentary delegation on a visit to multicultural communities along the Chao Phraya River in Bangkok’s Thonburi area, with Assoc. Prof. Dr. Predee Phisphumvidhi, Lecturer at the Faculty of Liberal Arts, Mahidol University, serving as resource person. The delegation visited Bang Luang Mosque (Kudi Khao), a Thai-style mosque situated in the community along Khlong Bang Luang; Wat Kalayanamit Woramahawihan, a Buddhist temple on the Chao Phraya River enshrining “Luang Pho To” (Sam Po Kong); Kian Un Keng Shrine, one of the oldest Hokkien Chinese shrines in Thonburi; Santa Cruz Church, one of the oldest and most significant Roman Catholic churches in the Kudi Chin community; and Baan Kudichin Museum, a local museum in the heart of the Kudi Chin community that presents the history, cultural roots, and way of life of Thai people of Portuguese descent from the Ayutthaya period to the present day. The visit highlighted the diversity of Thai society and enhanced the delegation’s understanding of the role of diverse identities as part of Thailand’s historical heritage, which has contributed to the strength of communities and the country’s development today.

The Program successfully achieved its objectives of fostering greater understanding and mutual trust, as well as strengthening networks between Malaysian political leaders and their Thai counterparts. It also provided the delegation with deeper and more comprehensive perspectives on Thailand across political, economic, social, and cultural dimensions, including peaceful coexistence within a multicultural society. Members of the Malaysian parliamentary delegation expressed their appreciation to the Royal Thai Embassy and noted that their participation in the Program had contributed to a deeper and more positive understanding of Thailand, providing an important foundation for further advancing Thailand - Malaysia relations and cooperation at both the parliamentary and people-to-people levels. This is particularly timely as both countries approach the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations in 2027, which provides an important opportunity to look ahead together and advance cooperation in line with the evolving context and emerging opportunities in Thailand - Malaysia relations.

The delegation comprised: (1) Hon. Dato’ Muhammad Bakhtiar bin Wan Chik, Member of Parliament, Penang; (2) Hon. Senator Dato’ Seri Prof. Dr. Noor Inayah binti Ya’akub, Senator; (3) Hon. Senator Rita Sarimah anak Patrick Insol, Senator; (4) Hon. Senator Dr. Jufitri Joha, Senator; (5) Hon. Senator Niran Tan Kran, Senator; (6) Hon. Hassan bin Abdul Karim, Member of Parliament, Johor; (7) Hon. Chong Zhemin, Member of Parliament, Perak; (8 ) Hon. Suhaizan bin Kaiat, Member of Parliament, Johor; (9) Mr. Premkumar a/l Gunasagaran, Assistant Secretary, Parliament of Malaysia; and (10) Ms. Nurul Adila Binti Hamdan, Assistant Secretary, Parliament of Malaysia.