Bangkok, April 27 (AseanAll) — On April 27, 2026, at Thai Government House, Chan Chun Sing, Coordinating Minister for Public Services and Minister for Defense of the Republic of Singapore, paid a courtesy call on Thai Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Anutin Charnvirakul.
The Prime Minister welcomed and expressed pleasure to meet with the Singaporean Coordinating Minister for Public Services and Minister for Defense once again, as both sides have long known each other and have met on several occasions.
The Prime Minister took the occasion to thank Prime Minister Lawrence Wong for the congratulatory phone conversation made upon his assumption of the premiership, during which elevation of cooperation between Thailand and Singapore at both the bilateral and regional levels was also discussed. He emphasized that there remains significant potential to further develop cooperation between the two countries.
The Singaporean Coordinating Minister for Public Services and Minister for Defense expressed appreciation to the Prime Minister for the warm welcome, and conveyed condolences on the passing of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit, The Queen Mother. He also extended good wishes from Prime Minister Lawrence Wong to the Prime Minister, and expressed hope to welcome the Prime Minister once again on an official visit to Singapore at a convenient and appropriate time.
Both parties also discussed other issues of mutual interest:
Defense Cooperation
Both sides were pleased with long-standing and close defense relations, reflected through regular exchange of high‑level visits and annual joint exercises, such as Cobra Gold. The Prime Minister reaffirmed the continuity of joint exercises and Thailand’s support in providing training areas for the Singapore Armed Forces.
The Singaporean Coordinating Minister for Public Services and Minister for Defense expressed appreciation to Thailand for its continued support in allowing the Singapore Armed Forces to conduct training in Thailand, which plays an important role in enhancing the country’s defense capabilities. They also came to terms that the two countries still have potential to continue advancing cooperation in new projects and missions, and that crises or challenges can be turned into opportunities for building trust and further strengthen relations.
Energy Cooperation
The two parties exchanged approaches to domestic energy management, and came to terms on the expansion of bilateral cooperation in the energy sector, both in terms of fuel management, energy trade, and regional power grid interconnection, to enhance resource efficiency and reduce energy loss. Thailand and Singapore also agreed on outlining plans to increase the use of renewable and alternative energy, with the aim of strengthening regional energy security.
Aviation Industry
Both sides agreed on the opportunities to expand cooperation in the aviation industry and aircraft maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO). Singapore possesses strengths in technology and standards, while Thailand has advantages in geographic location and human resources. These complementary factors can support the development of a regional MRO hub, and the scope of cooperation can be expanded to cover ship and military equipment maintenance. In addition, both sides recognized the opportunities for joint investment and the development of public‑private partnership to accommodate the growth of the aviation industry and an increasing demand for services.
Food Security
Both Thailand and Singapore are aware of the opportunities to expand cooperation in the area of food security. Thailand has strong potential as a major food producer, which can help create balance with countries that possess energy resources but are challenged with food shortages. This cooperation will also contribute to strengthening regional collaboration and long‑term security.
Land Bridge Project
Singapore expressed interest in Thailand’s Land Bridge project, viewing it as a means of transport connection between the two coasts to reduce risks and enhance logistics capacity. It is also an opportunity to foster the development of various industries, leading to the emergence of a new economy, supporting stability, and strengthening capacity of the region.
The Prime Minister affirmed support for Singapore and emphasized that the project requires large‑scale investment and cooperation from multiple sectors, both public and private, as well as international partners, in order to be effectively and sustainably implemented.
