BANGKOK: Malaysia and Thailand have agreed to study the feasibility of a Kuala Lumpur-Bangkok high speed rail (HSR) link as part of efforts to boost bilateral trade between the two countries.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak, in a joint press conference with his Thai counterpart Prayuth Chan-o-cha here today, said the HSR could complement the planned link between Kuala Lumpur and Singapore.
"Malaysia welcomes the agreement from the Thai government to study the HSR link between KL and Bangkok.
"This can further improve connectivity between Malaysia and Thailand, and subsequently economic cooperation between the two countries," said Najib.
Prayuth meanwhile said Thailand is ready to look into the study of the HSR, which he said could help extend Thailand's connectivity downwards to Singapore.
On facilitating the peace process between Thai government and insurgents in the kingdom's restive south, Prayuth welcomed Malaysia's readiness as a facilitator.
Thailand had also requested Malaysia to provide vocational and religious education to youths in the southern province, in order to boost the economy there.
On the construction of a border wall between Bukit Kayu Hitam and Sadao to stem transnational crime, Najib said both countries would look into the matter to discuss, among others, the project's implementation and costs.