MGR Online: Anutin travels to Indonesia with economic and defence ministers to strengthen cooperation on security, the halal industry, and fisheries, and to seek support on the Myanmar issue — ahead of Myanmar President Min Aung Hlaing's visit to Thailand.
On 3 August 2026, Anutin Charnvirakul, accompanied by key ministers including Finance Minister Ekniti Nitithanprapas, Commerce Minister Supajee Suthumpun, Foreign Affairs Minister Sihasak Phuangketkaew, and Defence Minister Lt Gen Adul Bunthamcharoen, made an official visit to Indonesia. This was the Prime Minister's first visit to Indonesia since taking office, and the first prime ministerial visit to the country in more than 15 years.
It is worth noting that this visit to Indonesia included the Defence Minister and military representatives in the delegation, indicating that security is expected to be one of the issues Thailand wishes to discuss with Indonesia.
The Prime Minister and his delegation held a meeting with Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto. The main subject discussed by the two countries was the advancement of the Thailand–Indonesia Strategic Partnership Plan 2026–2030.
Indonesia has the largest economy in ASEAN. However, the country is currently facing economic difficulties due to a sharp outflow of capital and a depreciating currency. The rupiah has continued to weaken to its worst level since the 1997–1998 Tom Yum Kung financial crisis, while Indonesian stocks and government bonds have been heavily sold off by investors.
On the issue of Myanmar, Indonesia has maintained a stance opposing Myanmar's return to ASEAN and continues to strictly uphold ASEAN's Five-Point Consensus framework, while Thailand is seeking to push for Myanmar's return to ASEAN. Myanmar President Min Aung Hlaing is scheduled to visit Thailand on 6–7 August.
The issue of fisheries was also on the agenda, as Thai fishing vessels frequently encroach into Indonesian waters.
On the economic front, Thailand is seeking to promote the halal industry. Indonesia is the country with the world's largest Muslim population, at over 240 million people.
After the meeting, both sides held a joint press conference. The discussions covered bilateral cooperation under four main pillars: (1) Politics and Security, including addressing transnational crime and defence cooperation; (2) Economics, reaffirming partnership in strengthening food and energy security, while focusing on promoting trade and investment such as cooperation in the halal industry, sustainable fisheries, and tourism; (3) Social Affairs, with both sides discussing the promotion of educational cooperation, including enhancing skills in artificial intelligence and promoting the study of Thai and Indonesian languages; and (4) Regional and International Cooperation, with both sides exchanging views on various issues such as Myanmar, the Thailand–Cambodia situation, the situation in the Middle East, as well as strengthening mutual cooperation within international frameworks such as the OECD and ASEAN.
The Thai Prime Minister and the Indonesian President jointly witnessed the exchange of two documents: the Thailand–Indonesia Strategic Partnership Plan 2026–2030, signed by the foreign ministers of both sides, and (2) a Memorandum of Understanding between Thailand's Ministry of Education and Indonesia's Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education on educational cooperation.
