Jakarta, – President of the Republic of Indonesia, Prabowo Subianto, made an official visit to Thailand, marking a new chapter in bilateral relations between the two countries. The visit aims to strengthen strategic cooperation in various fields, including the economy, defense, and regional security.
Deputy for Protocol, Press, and Media of the Presidential Secretariat, Yusuf Permana said that the official visit of the President of the Republic of Indonesia is part of an important agenda to improve bilateral relations between Indonesia and Thailand. He stated that the meeting is a symbol of the close diplomatic relations between the two countries and a form of high respect from the Kingdom of Thailand to Indonesia.
“The meeting is a symbol of the close diplomatic relations between the two countries and the high respect from the Kingdom of Thailand for Indonesia,” said Yusuf Permana.
The audience with His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn at the Amphorn Royal Palace on Monday morning, May 19, 2025, was an important moment that emphasized the diplomatic commitment of both countries to building closer and more respectful relations.
President Prabowo then met with Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra at Government House. The two discussed various strategic issues, including increasing economic cooperation, defense, and regional security. In the meeting, the two countries agreed to increase bilateral trade which has reached USD 18 billion and will be increased further.
In addition, Indonesia and Thailand agreed to strengthen cooperation in the halal industry and digital economy, including fintech and e-commerce. The two countries are also committed to holding the First Joint Trade Commission in the near future and focusing on supply chain resilience and joint ventures in food management and storage.
In the field of defense, the two countries agreed to increase joint military exercises and strengthen cooperation in eradicating transnational crimes, including human trafficking and illegal gambling.
Prime Minister Paetongtarn stated that this meeting marked the launch of regular Indonesian and Thai leaders’ consultations as a new diplomatic mechanism that will strengthen communication between heads of government in the future.
“As the founding countries of ASEAN and major economies in ASEAN, we will work together to strengthen ASEAN, especially in the presence of geopolitical conditions and global uncertainty,” he explained.
President Prabowo’s visit to Thailand was warmly welcomed by the Indonesian diaspora in Bangkok. They greeted the President enthusiastically, reflecting their support and great hopes for strengthening bilateral relations between the two countries.
This visit is part of a series of President Prabowo’s overseas trips since being inaugurated as president, with Thailand being one of the first countries visited as a form of strengthening bilateral relations and regional cooperation.
With the concrete results of this visit, it is hoped that the relationship between Indonesia and Thailand will become closer and provide real benefits for both countries and the Southeast Asian region as a whole.
