The Prime Minister opened the Thai-Indonesian business forum, raising the relationship from “trading partners” to “co-creative partners,” promoting four economic strategies: food and halal security, logistics, finance, and energy, connecting a market of over 350 million people.
At 09:15 on 4 August 2026 at the Fairmont Jakarta Hotel in Jakarta, Republic of Indonesia, Ms. Ratchada Thanadirek, spokesperson for the Office of the Prime Minister, revealed that Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Anutin Charnvirakul delivered a keynote speech at the Indonesia–Thailand Business Forum under the theme “Advancing the Indonesia–Thailand Strategic Partnership: Building Integrated Value Chains in Industry, Services, and Halal Economy.” The event was organized by the Thai Chamber of Commerce in Indonesia in collaboration with the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Kadin Indonesia). Attendees included Indonesian Minister of Trade Budi Santoso, Special Presidential Envoy Hasim Joyohadikusumo, Thai Chamber of Commerce President Phot Aramwattanannont, Chatisiri Sophonpanich, board member of the Thai Bankers’ Association and CEO of Bangkok Bank, representatives from Thai-Indonesian public and private sectors, and over 300 media personnel.
The Prime Minister proposed elevating the relationship between Thailand and Indonesia from “trading partners” to “co-creative partners,” linking production, investment, technology, and innovation to build strong value chains and expand economic opportunities in ASEAN. He expressed gratitude to Kadin Indonesia and the Thai Chamber of Commerce in Indonesia for organizing the forum that bridges government and private sectors to push cooperation into concrete projects.
The Prime Minister stated that Thailand and Indonesia should connect the “mainland and archipelago” by using Thailand as a manufacturing hub and Indonesia as a large market and maritime economic gateway. Following discussions with President Prabowo Subianto yesterday, both sides agreed on the need to create real opportunities for citizens, entrepreneurs, and investors from both countries.
Amid global economic volatility, the Prime Minister emphasized that deeper ASEAN economic integration “is not an option but a necessity,” with Thailand and Indonesia as key drivers.
“The government must reduce obstacles, build confidence, and clarify regulations to enable the private sector to invest and innovate to its fullest potential.”
Currently, trade between the two countries is nearly 20 billion U.S. dollars, with a target to reach 23 billion U.S. dollars soon. Together, they represent a combined population of over 350 million, reflecting a large market with significant growth potential.
The Prime Minister pointed out that the next goal should go beyond “trade” to “joint investment, technology, and regional value addition,” proposing four main areas of cooperation:
1. Food Security and Halal Industry
Develop comprehensive halal value chains, upgrade standards and certifications to expand high-value food and agricultural markets globally.
2. Logistics, Transportation, and Digital Infrastructure
Reduce trade costs, connect infrastructure, and increase travel between countries by supporting new flight routes such as Bangkok–Jakarta and Phuket–Bali, including the successful investment of Thai Lion Air in Thailand.
3. Finance and Digital Economy
Build on cooperation of Thai banks in Indonesia and link digital payment systems PromptPay and QRIS, while promoting ASEAN’s digital economy.
4. Energy and Green Economy
Towards the end, the Prime Minister said the success of Thai-Indonesian relations should be measured by “what is created together,” not just trade figures, but by strong industries, connected supply chains, and a more competitive ASEAN.
“Let this forum be the starting point for new opportunities that turn vision into real investment and tangible cooperation,” the Prime Minister stated.
On this occasion, the private sector expressed gratitude and pleasure at the Prime Minister's visit to Indonesia for the first time in 15 years. They strongly agreed with the two leaders’ commitment to push forward various cooperation areas concretely, especially the trade target of 23 billion U.S. dollars. For business, government-to-government, private-to-private, and people-to-people relations will enhance competitiveness and cooperation, strengthening ASEAN’s economic power and regional influence. Indonesian private sector also recognizes the global strengths of both countries in halal industries, digital connectivity, and food security, confident that the strategic partnership between Thailand and Indonesia will lead to connected supply chains, SME empowerment, and a promising future beyond ASEAN.