Government spokesperson reveals PM will visit Indonesia for the first time in 15 years, paving the way for trade and investment, a strategic partnership, and income for Thai people — as part of the government's proactive foreign policy.
Today (2 Aug.), Ms. Rachada Thanadirek, Spokesperson of the Prime Minister's Office, disclosed that Mr. Anutin Charnvirakul, Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, is scheduled to make an official visit to the Republic of Indonesia from 3–4 August 2026 to hold talks with Mr. Prabowo Subianto, President of the Republic of Indonesia. This marks the first official visit to Indonesia by a Thai prime minister in 15 years.
This visit is part of the government's proactive foreign policy, using leader-level relations as a mechanism to open economic doors and build on the Thailand–Indonesia strategic partnership toward concrete projects and cooperation — particularly in the areas of trade, investment, tourism, security, food security, energy, education, and business-to-business cooperation.
The Spokesperson of the Prime Minister's Office stated that Indonesia is ASEAN's largest economy and most populous nation, with a population of 280 million people, making it both a large market, an important source of investment, and a high-potential partner for Thai entrepreneurs. Strengthening bilateral relations will help open up greater opportunities for Thai goods and services to enter the Indonesian market, link supply chains, promote mutual investment, and create new opportunities for Thai businesses of all sizes — both large enterprises and SMEs.
The government aims to ensure that overseas visits deliver clear and tangible benefits to the Thai people, in the form of expanded markets for agricultural products and food, increased tourist numbers, job creation, workforce skills development, as well as the exchange of knowledge and technology in sectors where both countries have strong potential.
"This visit is not merely a gesture of friendship between leaders, but a means of translating good relations into opportunities for trade, investment, and income generation. The government wants foreign affairs to serve as a tool for strengthening the economy and concretely improving the quality of life of the people," the Spokesperson of the Prime Minister's Office said.
Beyond the bilateral dimension, Thailand and Indonesia are both founding members of ASEAN and each play an important role in shaping the region's direction. This round of talks therefore presents an opportunity for the two leaders to jointly push for a unified and stronger ASEAN that can effectively respond to shifts in the global economy, transnational crime, and the geopolitical situation.
Both sides will exchange approaches to promoting cooperation on economics, security, regional connectivity, food, energy, and sustainable development — including creating an enabling business environment — so that ASEAN remains a region of peace, stability, and economic opportunity for the people of all member countries.
This visit will also serve as an important platform for the Prime Minister to declare Thailand's foreign policy vision at the ASEAN Secretariat, demonstrating Thailand's role in co-shaping the region's future and preparing for Thailand's ASEAN Chairmanship in 2028. The emphasis will be on building an ASEAN that is unified, economically resilient, people-centred, and grows in a balanced and sustainable manner.
The Spokesperson of the Prime Minister's Office said that this mission reflects the government's foreign policy approach — one that looks beyond ceremonial visits — and focuses on building strategic alliances, maintaining a balanced international posture, and enhancing Thailand's economic bargaining power amid global competition and uncertainty.
As for the key schedule, on 3 August 2026, the Prime Minister and delegation will depart from Wing 6 Military Air Base to Halim Perdanakusuma Airport in Jakarta, before attending an official welcome ceremony, a leader-level small-group discussion, a full-delegation meeting, and a joint press conference at the Presidential Palace of Indonesia.
On 4 August 2026, the Prime Minister will attend the opening ceremony of a Business Forum co-organised by the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KADIN) and the Thai Chamber of Commerce in Indonesia, with the aim of connecting the business sectors and driving investment opportunities between the two countries.
The Prime Minister will then travel to the ASEAN Secretariat to hold discussions with the ASEAN Secretary-General on advancing regional cooperation and deliver a speech presenting Thailand's vision for the future of ASEAN. This will be followed by discussions with the Indonesian private sector to explore opportunities for further business collaboration, before the delegation returns to Thailand in the evening upon the completion of all engagements.
