(AseanAll) — On August 3, 2026, at Istana Merdeka Building, Presidential Palace of Indonesia, Jakarta, Thai Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Anutin Charnvirakul attended a plenary meeting with President Prabowo Subianto of the Republic of Indonesia on occasion of the first official visit of a Thai Prime Minister to Indonesia in 15 years.
This meeting is significant in shaping the direction of cooperation between two of ASEAN’s largest economies amid global economic challenges. Both the leaders reaffirmed commitment to driving the “Thailand–Indonesia Strategic Partnership” into concrete outcomes in a bid to create economic opportunities, enhance competitiveness, and ensure security for the people of both nations, while also reinforcing ASEAN’s centrality in the region.
On economic cooperation, Thailand and Indonesia agreed to accelerate bilateral trade value from the current level of approximately USD19.5 billion to USD23 billion by 2030. The two leaders expressed confidence that, with the potential of both countries, this target could actually be achieved ahead of schedule.
The Prime Minister emphasized Thailand’s readiness to be Indonesia’s reliable economic partner, both in terms of agricultural trade expansion to reinforce food security, mutual investment promotion, and strengthening of regional supply chain connectivity. He also extended an invitation for the Indonesian private sector to invest in Thailand, which has the potential to serve as a hub for mainland ASEAN and can effectively link key markets across the region.
Both sides also came to terms to promote Halal industry, which is the world’s high potential market, through synergizing Indonesia’s strength as a large Muslim consumer base with Thailand’s capabilities in production, product quality, and Halal standards. This cooperation aims to create added value for entrepreneurs of both countries.
With regard to security cooperation, Thailand and Indonesia agreed to enhance cooperation in combating transnational crime, particularly online scam networks, human trafficking, and drug smuggling, through intelligence sharing and collaboration between law enforcement agencies. The Prime Minister noted that online crime is a borderless threat that requires serious international cooperation to address. Last year, Thailand facilitated the safe return of over 1,000 Indonesian nationals who had fallen victim to online scam syndicates in a neighboring country.
Military relations between the two countries remain close at all levels and across all military branches, with regular joint exercises. The President himself has previously participated in joint training with Thailand’s special forces.
On tourism, both sides welcomed the growing trend of people-to-people exchanges and celebrated the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the Tourism Authority of Thailand and TransNusa Airlines to launch direct flights between Bangkok–Jakarta and Phuket–Bali. These routes will enhance travel convenience, stimulate tourism economy, and strengthen people-to-people ties.
The two leaders also agreed to work together in advancing ASEAN’s economic integration. This is to increase the region’s capacity in coping with global economic volatility. They also came to terms to endorse ASEAN’s role in maintaining peace, stability, and regional cooperation.
The Prime Minister further proposed that Thailand and Indonesia, both currently in the process of joining the OECD, coordinate efforts, share experiences, and serve as a bridge between ASEAN and the OECD. This would help elevate the region’s economic standards, investment practices, and governance to align with international standard.
After the discussions, the two leaders witnessed the exchange of two documents: 1) Plan of Action on Thailand–Indonesia Strategic Partnership, which will serve as a framework for long-term cooperation between the two countries; and 2) Memorandum of Understanding on Education, which is aimed at laying a stronger foundation for future education collaboration through promoting exchanges of students, academics, personnel, and knowledge.
The two leaders, then, held a joint press conference. The Indonesia President emphasized that this dialogue marks the beginning of sustained cooperation. As founding members of ASEAN, both countries share responsibility for promoting prosperity, stability, and security in the region, and will play a leading role in ensuring that ASEAN remains resilient in facing global challenges while preserving its centrality.
The President also expressed appreciation for Thailand’s assistance in safely repatriating over 1,000 Indonesian nationals who had fallen victim to illegal labor schemes in a neighboring country. This meaningful assistance reflects profound friendship between the two nations. The President also reaffirmed Indonesia’s commitment to strengthening cooperation with Thailand against transnational crime, particularly human trafficking, online scam, and emerging security threats, to protect the people of both countries in a tangible manner.
On regional issues, the President commended Thailand’s role in gradually opening space for Myanmar’s engagement with ASEAN, especially through the informal meetings initiated by ASEAN Foreign Ministers. He affirmed Indonesia’s readiness to work with Thailand and other ASEAN members under the Five-Point Consensus to support a peaceful resolution of the Myanmar situation. He also expressed hope that the situation between Thailand and Cambodia would be resolved peacefully through dialogue and constructive mechanisms, in order to maintain regional peace and stability. The President concluded with confidence that close cooperation between Thailand and Indonesia will play a vital role in strengthening ASEAN’s resilience, security, and prosperity in the long run.
