Thailand and Indonesia Forge Stronger Ties to Bolster ASEAN's Influence

Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra and President Prabowo Subianto commit to strategic partnership and increased cooperation across multiple sectors.

BANGKOK - In a significant move to strengthen bilateral relations and enhance regional cooperation, Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra and Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto convened a joint press conference on Monday. The meeting, held at Government House in Bangkok, marked a pivotal moment in the evolving partnership between Thailand and Indonesia.

A key outcome of the summit was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Ministry of Public Health of the Kingdom of Thailand and the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Indonesia. This agreement, signed by Thailand’s Public Health Minister Somsak Thepsuthin and Indonesia’s Foreign Minister Sugiono, aims to foster collaboration in various public health domains. The focus includes strengthening health systems, preventing communicable diseases, ensuring pharmaceutical security, improving health financing, and promoting health tourism.

Prime Minister Paetongtarn highlighted the enduring friendship between the two nations, spanning over 150 years, and underscored the significance of the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations. Discussions between the leaders led to the elevation of bilateral ties to a strategic partnership, signaling a commitment to deepen cooperation across various sectors for the mutual benefit of both countries.

A core element of their discussions focused on strengthening ASEAN amidst global uncertainties. The leaders co-chaired the inaugural leaders’ consultation, a new mechanism designed for regular exchanges. Key areas of enhanced cooperation include:

Political and security cooperation: Regular high-level exchanges will be promoted, and existing bilateral mechanisms will be fully utilized. A strategic partnership action plan will be developed by the foreign ministries. Military cooperation will be expanded, with a focus on defense industry collaboration. Police forces will intensify efforts to combat transnational crime.

Economic partnership: Both countries are committed to boosting trade, investment, and tourism. In 2024, bilateral trade reached US$18 billion, with expectations for further growth benefiting both nations and the broader ASEAN region. The first Joint Trade Committee meeting will be hosted by Thailand this year to identify new cooperation areas. Collaboration between public agencies and the private sector will be encouraged to unlock new investment opportunities.

Food and energy security: Cooperation in food security, particularly agricultural trade and the halal industry, will be revitalized. A partnership in sustainable fisheries will be explored. Collaboration on energy security, with a focus on renewable and green energy, will be increased.

Tourism: New flight routes between Bangkok–Surabaya, Bangkok–Medan, and the planned Phuket–Medan route will boost tourism links. Tourism agencies will jointly promote the new routes and explore further potential connections.

Public health and education: Thailand expressed readiness to share its experience with Indonesia on universal health coverage, developed since 2001, within the UN framework.

Regional cooperation: Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to ASEAN centrality and unity amid global political and economic uncertainties, supporting inclusive and sustainable economic and social integration. They share a common interest in a peaceful, stable, and unified Myanmar and will collaborate with Malaysia, the current ASEAN chair, to support peace efforts, with ASEAN playing a leading role.

Prime Minister Paetongtarn concluded the conference, expressing gratitude for President Subianto's visit and looking forward to a future visit to Indonesia.