PM Anutin Pushes 4 Economic Strategies at Indonesia-Thailand Business Forum
Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul delivered a keynote speech in Jakarta, proposing four key strategies to elevate economic ties and tap into a 350-million-strong market.
Stock photo for illustration only, not from the actual event
- PM Anutin Charnvirakul delivered a keynote speech at the Indonesia–Thailand Business Forum in Jakarta.
- Introduced four pillars: Halal, Logistics & Digital, Finance, and Green Energy.
- Targeting bilateral trade to reach USD 23 billion, up from nearly USD 20 billion currently.
At 09.15 AM on August 4, 2026, at the Fairmont Jakarta Hotel, Indonesia, Ms. Rachada Dhnadirek, Deputy Spokesperson for the Prime Minister's Office, revealed that Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Anutin Charnvirakul delivered a special keynote speech at the Indonesia–Thailand Business Forum. The event, themed “Advancing the Indonesia–Thailand Strategic Partnership: Building Integrated Value Chains in Industry, Services, and Halal Economy,” was co-organized by the Thai Chamber of Commerce in Indonesia and Kadin Indonesia.
The forum was attended by high-profile figures including Mr. Budi Santoso, Indonesian Minister of Trade; Mr. Hashim Djojohadikusumo, Special Envoy of the Indonesian President; Mr. Poj Aramwattananon, Chairman of the Thai Chamber of Commerce; and Mr. Chartsiri Sophonpanich, President of the Thai Bankers' Association, alongside over 300 government officials, business leaders, and media representatives. The Prime Minister proposed transitioning both nations from mere "trading partners" to "co-creators" of manufacturing, technology, and innovation.
Stock photo for illustration only, not from the actual event
The Prime Minister stated that Thailand and Indonesia should connect the mainland and the archipelago, with Thailand acting as a manufacturing hub and Indonesia serving as a maritime economic gateway. Emphasizing that deeper ASEAN economic integration is a necessity amidst global economic volatility, he outlined four key areas of cooperation:
- Food Security and Halal: Developing an integrated halal value chain and upgrading certification standards.
- Logistics, Transport, and Digital: Lowering trade costs, supporting new flight routes between Bangkok–Jakarta and Phuket–Bali, and Thai Lion Air's investments.
- Finance and Digital Economy: Leveraging Thai banks in Indonesia and linking the PromptPay–QRIS payment systems.
- Energy and Green Economy: Developing clean energy to support future industries such as EV, AI, and data centers.
"The government must reduce barriers, build confidence, and ensure clear rules so that the private sector can invest and innovate to its full potential."
Anutin Charnvirakul
Prime Minister Anutin's visit and keynote address mark a significant strategic diplomatic move, coming after a 15-year gap for Thai leaders visiting Indonesia. Pushing for cross-border payment integration like PromptPay-QRIS and establishing robust halal supply chains will be crucial steps in boosting ASEAN's regional competitiveness and bargaining power amid global geopolitical shifts.
Source: Khaosod Politics
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