By Balqis Jazimah Zahari
Photo MBI
HATYAI: The tourism relationship between Malaysia and Thailand needs to be strengthened in order to boost tourist flow and ensure a smoother travel experience.
The proximity of the two countries and their shared cultural similarities make Malaysia a top destination for tourists from Southern Thailand, but several key issues still remain a concern.
Deputy Mayor of Hatyai, Sumrit Boonrat, emphasized the importance of improving the experience for Thai tourists entering Malaysia, particularly regarding the security checks for tourist vehicles at border crossings.
“Thai tourists expect friendly service, especially during travel. However, tourist vehicles are often stopped repeatedly by authorities, which causes discomfort.
“As tourists, we expect a peaceful holiday without feeling apprehensive,” he said during the Forum on Media Relations between Perak and Southern Thailand, held as part of the official visit of the Ipoh City Council (MBI) to Hatyai recently.
Meanwhile, Songkla Senator Chaiyong Maneerungsakul also expressed his readiness to engage in bilateral discussions with Malaysian authorities to develop strategies that can advance the tourism industry on both sides.
“The strict law enforcement by the Malaysian government ensures safety and is a major attraction for tourists.
“However, this strictness needs to be balanced so it doesn’t disrupt the tourist experience,” he said.
Chaiyongalso serves as the Head of the Southern Thailand Media Association’s Foreign Relations Bureau.
He further highlighted the need to strengthen bilateral cooperation between Malaysia and Thailand, particularly among media practitioners, to ensure accurate, credible, and ethical reporting.
“This cooperation is crucial in crafting strategies that will benefit both parties,” he said.
Ipoh City Council Member, Muhammad Hamzah Md Hamdan stated that the issues raised by the Hatyai Municipality and the Southern Thailand Media Association would be discussed with the relevant authorities to find the best solutions.
“I will bring up these issues with the authorities and hope they can be resolved amicably. Moreover, the main focus is to attract more Thai tourists to Ipoh in anticipation of Visit Malaysia Year 2026.
“We will introduce attractive tourism packages and improve existing weaknesses to enhance the experience for tourists visiting Malaysia,” he said.
President of the Perak Media Sports and Welfare Club, Rosli Mansor Ahmad Razali, informed that the meeting resulted in an agreement to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to promote the tourism sector in both cities.
“The MoU to be signed will allow both parties to draft strategic plans that will support economic development and strengthen the tourism sector for a more sustainable future,” he said.
