Thailand, Indonesia elevate bilateral ties to strategic partnership

Thailand and Indonesia have declared the elevation of bilateral relationship to a strategic partnership following a high-level meeting in Bangkok on Monday between Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra and Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto.

They also pledged to boost trade and investment, and cooperate on cyber scams and drug trafficking crackdowns.

Elevating the partnership was among the key issues discussed and agreed upon at the first high-level meeting under the Leaders' Consultation framework during President Prabowo's visit to Thailand.

It was the Indonesian President's first official trip to Thailand since taking office in October 2024 and the first official visit by an Indonesian president in 20 years.

The high-level talks also touched on security, health, tourism and economic cooperation. On security, both countries focused on transnational crime, human trafficking and the narcotic trade, while Thailand also proposed a memorandum of understanding on the transfer of prisoners.

On the economic front, both sides believed they could expand and increase trade, with Thailand affirming its readiness to host the first Joint Trade Committee (JTC) meeting within this year as a mechanism to bolster trade, reduce barriers, and promote closer cooperation. The Indonesian leader pledged support for Thai businesses interested in investing in Indonesia.

Regarding agriculture, fisheries, and food security, Indonesia proposed extending an MoU for the rice trade. Thailand has also agreed to export more rice to Indonesia to support its food security and the opening of the market for meat, livestock, and fresh fruits.

The Thai PM proposed setting up a working group to study the possibility of co-investing in fisheries industries to promote sustainable fishing and food security.

Both leaders also expressed their satisfaction with an increase in tourism activities and agreed to explore and expand opportunities within this industry.

After the talks, both leaders witnessed Thai Public Health Minister Somsak Thepsutin and Indonesian Foreign Minister Sugiono sign an MoU on health cooperation between the Thai and Indonesian health ministries.