Bangkok,September 3 (AseanAll) — Thai Government Spokesperson Rachada Dhnadirek disclosed about the outcome of the 5th Thailand–Singapore Leaders’ Retreat between Thai Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Anutin Charnvirakul and Lawrence Wong, Prime Minister of the Republic of Singapore that one of the major outcomes of the meeting is an agreement for Thailand and Singapore to work together in developing a multi‑year work agenda for ASEAN to ensure continuity of policies and to advance key regional priorities in an ongoing manner, ahead of Singapore’s assumption of the ASEAN Chairmanship in 2027 and Thailand’s in 2028.
The Thai Government views that consecutive ASEAN Chairmanships of Thailand and Singapore is an important opportunity to advance agendas that require more than a single year of implementation, especially those in the areas of food and energy security, the digital economy and artificial intelligence (AI), and physical and digital connectivity. This effort would help strengthen ASEAN, enhance its resilience, and improve its response to global economic and geopolitical changes.
On energy cooperation, Thailand and Singapore agreed to jointly promote regional energy connectivity, including the ASEAN Power Grid, to reinforce energy security and enhance efficient use of shared resources. In the area of food security, both sides will build upon Thailand’s strengths as a major food producer and link them with Singapore’s capacity as a hub for trade and logistics. This will expand opportunities for Thailand’s agricultural and food exports.
With regard to the digital economy and artificial intelligence, the two countries see opportunities to expand cooperation on practical applications in manufacturing, healthcare, and tourism, while also exchanging knowledge on safe and responsible use of AI. This will be implemented in parallel with further development of cross‑border payment connectivity, building on the existing PromptPay–PayNow collaboration.
According to the Thai Government Spokesperson, collaborations between Thailand and Singapore will therefore extend beyond the bilateral level. The cooperation is expected to link into ASEAN’s collective advancement by leveraging the strengths of both countries to drive forward projects that generate economic benefits and enhance the region’s competitiveness.
The Thai Prime Minister reaffirmed Thailand’s readiness to work closely with Singapore to ensure continuity between the two ASEAN Chairmanships and to push for a stronger and more united ASEAN in a tangible manner, both in terms of energy, food, technology, trade, and connectivity. These efforts must ultimately translate into economic opportunities and shared benefits for the people of the region.
