Bangkok, May 20 (AseanAll) — On May 19, 2025, at the Thai Government House, Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra and President Prabowo Subianto of Indonesia witnessed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding Between the Ministry of Public Health of the Kingdom of Thailand and the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Indonesia on Health Cooperation, which was countersigned by Thailand’s Minister of Public Health Somsak Thepsuthin and Mr. Sugiono, Indonesia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs.
The MoU aims at enhancing collaboration between the two countries in public health, with key areas of cooperation being primary healthcare systems, communicable disease prevention and control, medicinal and medical equipment security, health financing, and medical tourism.
After the signing ofthe MoU, both leaders held a joint press conference.
The Prime Minister expressed honor to welcome President Prabowo Subianto on his first official visit to Thailand. The two countries have forged over 150 years of friendship with a historical milestone being King Chulalongkorn’s first overseas visit to Java in 1871. The President’s official visit to Thailand today underscored tight-knitted relations as the two nations celebrate 75 years of diplomatic relations in 2025.
The two leaders held an inaugurated “Leaders’ Consultation” to discuss and exchange views in a constructive and friendly manner. Leaders’ Consultation is a new mechanism initiated by Thailand to enable regular exchanges between heads of state.
The Prime Minister disclosed key discussion areas with the Indonesian President as follows:
On political and security cooperation, both leaders agreed to promote regular high-level exchanges, and leverage existing bilateral mechanisms for the best interest of the two countries. The Thai and Indonesian foreign ministries were assigned to draft a Strategic Partnership Action Plan within this year for tangible outcomes. Thai and Indonesian militaries will also enhance defense cooperation, including potential collaboration in the defense industry. Police cooperation will also be intensified on transnational crimes, particularly online scams, human trafficking, and drug trafficking.
With regard to economic ties, the two leaders agreed to increasing trade, investment, and tourism cooperation. In 2025, bilateral trade reached USD18 billion, with room for further growth. This not only benefits people of the two countries, but the ASEAN region as a whole. Thailand stands ready to host the 1st Joint Trade Committee within this year to further discuss the matter.
They also came to terms on investment promotion, and instructed relevant agencies to work closely together in a bid to seek new investment opportunities. The Prime Minister thanked Indonesia for supporting Thai companies operating locally and called for continued fair treatment and support of foreign investors.
