Thai, Indonesian leaders agree to strengthen trade, fight crime

Thailand and Indonesia have pledged to boost trade and investment and cooperate on cyber scams and drug trafficking crackdowns, as Southeast Asia's two biggest economies elevated ties to a strategic partnership.

- MONGKOL BANGPRAPA

They declared the elevation of their bilateral relationship to a strategic partnership following a high-level meeting yesterday at Government House between Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra and Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto.

The strategic partnership, agreed upon during the 10th Joint Commission Meeting held in Thailand on May 2, marked a milestone in the two countries' progress toward deepening relations and collaboration.

Elevating the partnership was among the key issues discussed and agreed upon at the first high-level meeting under the Leaders' Consultation framework during Mr Prabowo's visit.

It was the Indonesian president's first official trip to Thailand since taking office in October 2024 and the first official visit by an Indonesian president to Thailand in 20 years.

Welcoming the Indonesian leader, Ms Paetongtarn said that Mr Prabowo's visit was an opportunity to strengthen ties and deepen cooperation between the two countries, which this year marks the 75th anniversary of diplomatic ties.