Indonesia and Thailand upgrade ties to strategic partnership

Key Concepts

• Strategic Partnership: An upgraded level of diplomatic ties signifying deeper trust and cooperation.
• Transboundary Crime: Criminal activities that cross international borders, including human trafficking and online scams.
• ASEAN Centrality: The principle of maintaining ASEAN's central role in regional affairs and decision-making.
• BRICS: An economic bloc consisting of Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, seen as an alternative to traditional global powers.

Upgrading Diplomatic Ties

• The Indonesian President's visit to Thailand marked the first in 20 years.
• Indonesia and Thailand upgraded their relationship to a "strategic partnership" to mark 75 years of diplomatic ties. This signifies a deeper level of trust and cooperation across various sectors.

Economic Cooperation

• The trade volume between Thailand and Indonesia was $18 billion last year.
• Both leaders expressed optimism about significantly increasing this number despite global trade uncertainties.
• Thailand's tariffs are at 36% and Indonesia's at 32%.

Combating Transboundary Crime

• Focus on addressing transnational crimes like human trafficking and online scam centers.
• Mention of an international crackdown on scam compounds in the Myanmar border region, leading to the repatriation of over 600 Indonesians.

Foreign Policy and Regional Issues

• Indonesia supports Thailand's application to join BRICS, positioning it as an alternative bloc of the global South. Indonesia became a full member earlier in the year.
• Discussions included the ongoing civil war in Myanmar, with both countries emphasizing ASEAN centrality and a shared interest in peace.
• Indonesia has refused to acknowledge Myanmar's military leaders at high-level meetings.
• Thailand, as a direct neighbor, has engaged with the military generals.
• Thai ex-Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra facilitated a meeting between the Malaysian Prime Minister and the current ASEAN chair in Bangkok.

Notable Statements

• The leaders aim to expand economic and security cooperation.
• Emphasis on combating transboundary crime.

Conclusion

The meeting between the Indonesian President and the Thai Prime Minister signifies a strengthening of bilateral relations through a strategic partnership. Key areas of focus include boosting economic ties, combating transnational crime, and addressing regional issues like the Myanmar civil war within the framework of ASEAN centrality. The upgrade to a strategic partnership indicates a commitment to deeper cooperation and trust between the two nations.