Description: Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto met Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra in Bangkok where they discussed reformulating their bilateral relations into a strategic comprehensive partnership. Subianto was warmly welcomed in Thailand on the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between the countries where alongside Shinawatra pledged extensive bilateral cooperation in several sectors. Thailand and Indonesia would elevate cooperation in defense, with increased joint military exercises, security and cybersecurity cooperation and joint research and development. Both countries would also closely cooperate in healthcare where they are expected to address growing issues in prevention of communicable diseases and medical tourism. The leaders also addressed the crisis in Myanmar where a civil war was active since 2021 when a military coup ousted the civilian government.
Impact: In line with last week’s conclusion of strategic ties with Australia, Indonesian President Subianto continued to devise bilateral ties in the midst of growing security and economic threats in the region. The South Asian countries gradually adopted modified and unilateral approach to forming strategic ties further diversifying the power dynamics on the continent where China is the pioneering geopolitical force. Thailand would significantly benefit from partnering with an exponentially growing economy such as Indonesia as economic instability from the US tariffs and regional crises such as the civil war in Myanmar and the constantly escalating tensions between India and Pakistan, necessitate strong regional alliances. China’s extensive presence in the region also prompts closer bilateral cooperation between the two countries as disputes over key maritime trade lines and bilateral tensions with Taiwan pose a significant security risk in the region.