Thailand's foreign minister criticised his Malaysian counterpart after he was quoted as urging Bangkok to be more "mature" over a boycott of Thai goods by Malaysian activists.

In the latest development of an ongoing row, Thai Foreign Minister Kantathi Suphamongkhon yesterday said Malaysia's Syed Hamid Albar should make any comments through diplomatic channels.

"Malaysia has used media channels, however before the Malaysian foreign minister said the two countries should not talk via the media but use diplomatic channels," Kantathi said in the statement.

"It's clear to see that the statement or comment by Malaysia aims to criticise Thailand, rather than show sincerity and a willingness to solve the problem together."

Ties deteriorated sharply

A report by the official Malaysian news agency Bernama on Sunday quoted Syed Hamid as saying: "We should not be narrow-minded and jeopardise economic and trade relations each time we have a political dispute. We need to be mature."

"Malaysia should realise that in the past, when involved with security matters of Malaysia, Thailand had responded earnestly and sincerely as a neighbouring country, which is what Thailand expects from Malaysia," Kantathi said.

Bilateral relations have deteriorated since 131 Thai Muslims from southern Narathiwat province fled into Malaysia in August, triggering a tussle over the fate of the group.