Singapore and Thailand ink deals in rice trade, healthcare

With bilateral ties in great shape, both sides can do more together: PM Wong

- Anjali Raguraman Correspondent

Prime Minister Lawrence Wong with Thailand Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul at the conclusion of a joint media conference at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Nov 7. This is Mr Anutin's first official overseas visit as prime minister since taking office in September 2023. ST PHOTO: GAVIN FOO

(ST PHOTO: GAVIN FOO)

Singapore and Thailand have signed pacts to expand the sale of rice to the Republic, and to deepen cooperation in healthcare capabilities to meet the needs of their aging societies.

The two memorandums of understanding (MOUs) were signed on Nov 7 during Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul's first official visit to Singapore since taking office in September 2025. This is also Mr Anutin’s first official overseas visit as prime minister.

The agreements are the latest in a raft of deals that the two close neighbours have made in 2025, which is the 60th anniversary of bilateral relations.

At a joint press conference after the signing of the MOUs, Prime Minister Lawrence Wong noted that the two countries had, over 60 years, forged deep ties built on trust, respect and friendship.

Bilateral relations are in excellent shape, economic links are robust, defence cooperation has been longstanding and ties between the two peoples are equally strong, he added.

While relations are already mature and multifaceted, there remains tremendous potential for both sides to do even more together, said PM Wong.

For instance, said the Ministry of Sustainability and the Environment in a statement, the rice agreement will strengthen assurance of the mutually beneficial trade in rice by avoiding unnecessary restrictive measures.

PM Wong said: “We discussed this morning that we can go even further, expand our food cooperation beyond rice, and (we) look forward to more opportunities for both sides.”