INDUSTRY NEWS
Malaysia, Thailand deepen defence ties during Thai minister's inaugural visit
July 14, 2026
By: Austin Camoens
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia and Thailand have agreed to expedite the signing of a long-awaited Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on defence cooperation this year.
The move comes as both countries seek to strengthen military collaboration and address shared regional security challenges.
Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin said the agreement was reached during bilateral talks with his Thai counterpart, Lieutenant General Adul Boonthumjaroen.
Adul is making his first official visit to Malaysia since assuming office following the formation of Thailand's new government.
"This is his introductory visit and his first official visit as Thailand's Defence Minister.
"As neighbouring countries, we must continue to maintain close and strong relations, particularly in defence, because we face many common security challenges," Khaled told reporters after their meeting at Wisma Pertahanan today.
He said both ministers agreed to accelerate preparations for the MoU, which would provide a broader framework for cooperation, including defence industry development and enhanced military collaboration.
"The discussions also covered border security cooperation through the Malaysia-Thailand General Border Committee (GBC), which has coordinated bilateral security efforts since 1978."
Khaled said this year's 57th GBC meeting, to be hosted by Malaysia, would focus on joint border operations, combating smuggling and illegal crossings, socio-economic development in border areas, and disaster management coordination.
"Malaysia also welcomes Thailand's continued participation in the Malaysian Defence Cooperation Programme (MDCP).
"This programme provides training opportunities for Thai military officers while strengthening defence diplomacy and professional military networks between both countries," he said.
He added that both sides also exchanged views ahead of the Asean Defence Ministers' Meeting (ADMM) and ADMM-Plus in the Philippines later this year to better coordinate their positions on regional issues.
Khaled said the meeting reaffirmed both countries' commitment to addressing regional security challenges and promoting peace and stability across Southeast Asia.
During the visit, Adul also toured the National Aerospace and Defence Industries (NADI) Group of Companies to explore future defence industry collaboration.
Source:
https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2026/07/1488398/malaysia-thailand-deepen-defence-ties-during-thai-ministers-inaugural?source=widget