Prabowo to Meet Thai King and Prime Minister Paetongtarn in Landmark State Visit
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BANGKOK, investortrust.id — President Prabowo Subianto will meet King Maha Vajiralongkorn and Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra on Monday, May 19, in a diplomatic effort to elevate Indonesia–Thailand bilateral relations across strategic sectors.
Deputy for Protocol, Press, and Media at the Presidential Secretariat Yusuf Permana said the visit is part of Prabowo’s broader commitment to strengthening Indonesia’s ties with regional partners in Southeast Asia.
The day will begin with an audience with the King of Thailand at Amphorn Royal Palace in Bangkok, scheduled for 9:30 a.m. local time. The meeting underscores the ceremonial and symbolic weight of Prabowo’s trip, highlighting Thailand’s recognition of Indonesia as a vital regional partner.
Photo: Investortrust/Fana Suparman
Following the royal audience, President Prabowo will proceed to Government House for an official state welcome led by Prime Minister Paetongtarn. The ceremony will include national anthems, a guard of honor inspection, and introductions between the two delegations.
Yusuf confirmed that the leaders will hold a bilateral meeting focused on expanding cooperation in trade, investment, and regional development. The discussions are expected to culminate in the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) between the two governments.
Accompanying President Prabowo are Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto, Foreign Minister Sugiono, Cabinet Secretary Teddy Indra Wijaya, and Indonesian Ambassador to Thailand Rachmat Budiman.
Photo: Presidential Secretariat Press Bureau
Diaspora Welcomes President with Warm Reception
President Prabowo arrived at Don Mueang International Airport in Bangkok on Saturday night and was greeted by senior Thai officials, including Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Pichai Chunhavajira and Trade Minister Pichai Naripthaphan. Indonesian officials including Ambassador Rachmat Budiman and Defense Attaché Colonel Faisal Rahmat Hutagalung were also present.
Upon arrival at his hotel, Prabowo was welcomed by members of the Indonesian diaspora, including students and entrepreneurs. Two children in traditional East Nusa Tenggara attire presented him with flowers, expressing their hopes for improvements in Indonesia’s education system.
Dika, who is pursuing his PhD at Chulalongkorn University, highlighted the noticeable differences in the quality and structure of higher education between Thailand and Indonesia. He expressed hope that President Prabowo would take note of Thailand’s educational practices during the visit.
Photo: Investortrust/Fana Suparman
“We hope this visit will lead to policies that also benefit Indonesians studying abroad,” said Dika, a doctoral student in science, after welcoming President Prabowo Subianto at his hotel in Bangkok on Saturday evening, May 17, 2025.
“There are clear differences in quality and systems, especially at the university level. In some aspects, Thai universities are more advanced. We hope President Prabowo can observe how financial management, research, and other aspects are run here and consider adopting the best practices for Indonesia,” he said.
Photo: Wikipedia/Apichart Khunnawatbandit
Business Leaders Push for Stronger Energy Cooperation
Hardy Chandra, Chairman of the Indonesia-Thailand Chamber of Commerce, said the visit provides an opportunity to boost economic cooperation. He highlighted the renewable energy sector as a promising area for joint investment, alongside potential growth in healthcare and value-added exports.
“There are many areas for potential cooperation, particularly in the increasingly relevant renewable energy sector. We hope Thai investors will explore opportunities to invest in Indonesia’s green energy initiatives,” said Hardy.
He added that trade between the two countries has historically been unbalanced, with Indonesia primarily exporting raw materials to Thailand, while Thailand sends agricultural and finished goods such as rice, sugar, and processed products to Indonesia.
“We hope this visit by President Prabowo will pave the way for deeper collaboration across multiple sectors, including healthcare,” Hardy said.