I wish to express my appreciation for your letter reaffirming the close bilateral relations between Thailand and Malaysia and acknowledging the importance of the role of private sectors in the social and economic development of the common border areas between our two countries.
I fully share the views with Your Excellency that the energy sector is a high potential area of cooperation in the border areas between Thailand and Malaysia. In view of the growing economic activities in the border areas and the formation of the ASEAN Economic Community, the demand for energy consumption will likely increase in the years to come.
In this regard, the Royal Thai Government welcomes the proposed project by the private sector of Malaysia to supply power from the border state of Kedah of Malaysia to the Southern Border Provinces (SBPs) of Thailand. The implementation of this project will be mutually beneficial to Thailand and Malaysia, improve the well-being of the people in the border areas and support the ASEAN Grid concept. The Royal Thai Government supports an early discussion on the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) by agencies concerned of both sides to materialize this project.
I am confident that, with the blessing and support by the Royal Thai Government and the Government of Malaysia, this proposed project will promote cooperation in the energy sector and contribute to the strengthening of the overall relations between Thailand and Malaysia.
Accept, Excellency, the renewed assurances of my highest consideration.