Bangkok: The Prime Minister is preparing to visit Indonesia for the first time in 15 years, paving the way for trade and investment, a strategic partnership, and generating income for Thai people. Ms. Ratchada Thanadirek, Spokesperson for the Prime Minister's Office, revealed that Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Anutin Charnvirakul is scheduled to pay an official visit to the Republic of Indonesia from August 3-4, 2026, to hold discussions with President Prabowo Subiyanto of the Republic of Indonesia. This marks the first official visit to Indonesia by a Thai Prime Minister in 15 years.
According to Thai News Agency, this visit reflects the government's proactive foreign policy, utilizing leadership-level relations as a mechanism to open economic doors and build upon the strategic partnership between Thailand and Indonesia. It aims to foster tangible projects and cooperation, particularly in trade, investment, tourism, security, food security, energy, education, and business cooperation.
Indonesia, with its largest economy and population of 280 million in ASEAN, presents a vast market, significant investment opportunities, and potential partnerships for Thai businesses. Strengthening relations between the two countries will open up more opportunities for Thai goods and services to enter the Indonesian market, connect supply chains, promote mutual investment, and create new opportunities for both large and small Thai businesses. The government aims for overseas visits to yield tangible benefits for the Thai people, including expanding markets for agricultural and food products, increasing tourism, creating jobs, developing workforce skills, and facilitating the exchange of knowledge and technology in areas where both countries have expertise.
"This visit is not only to strengthen the friendship between leaders, but also to translate good relations into opportunities for trade, investment, and income generation. The government wants foreign policy to be a tool for strengthening the economy and improving the quality of life of the people in a tangible way," said the Prime Minister's spokesperson.
Beyond the bilateral dimension, Thailand and Indonesia are also two founding members of ASEAN and play crucial roles in shaping the region's direction. This discussion therefore provides an opportunity for the two leaders to work together to promote ASEAN's unity and strength, enabling it to effectively address changes in the global economy, transnational crime, and geopolitical situations.
Both sides will exchange views on promoting cooperation in economics, security, regional connectivity, food, energy, and sustainable development, including creating a business-friendly environment, so that ASEAN remains a region of peace, stability, and economic opportunity for people in all countries.
This visit also provides an important platform for the Prime Minister to announce Thailand's foreign policy vision at the ASEAN Secretariat, showcasing Thailand's role in shaping the region's future and preparing for its ASEAN chairmanship in 2028. The vision will focus on building a unified, economically resilient, people-centered ASEAN that grows in a balanced and sustainable manner.
The Prime Minister's spokesperson stated that this mission reflects the government's foreign policy approach that goes beyond formal visits, aiming to build strategic alliances, maintain a balanced international relationship, and enhance Thailand's economic bargaining power amidst global competition and uncertainty.
For the important schedule on August 3, 2026, the Prime Minister and his delegation will travel from Military Air Base 2, Wing 6, to Halim Perdanakusuma Airport in Jakarta, before participating in an official welcoming ceremony, a small group discussion between leaders, a full plenary session, and a joint press conference at the Indonesian Presidential Palace.
On August 4, 2026, the Prime Minister will attend the opening ceremony of the Business Forum organized by the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KADIN) in collaboration with the Thai Chamber of Commerce in Indonesia, to connect businesses and promote investment opportunities between the two countries. Following this, the Prime Minister will travel to the ASEAN Secretariat to discuss regional cooperation with the ASEAN Secretary-General and deliver a speech outlining Thailand's vision for the future of ASEAN. Afterwards, the Prime Minister will hold discussions with Indonesian private sector representatives to explore opportunities for further business cooperation before returning to Thailand in the evening.