During an official visit to Bangkok, Indonesia’s President-elect Prabowo Subianto met with Thailand’s Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin and Pheu Thai Party leader Paetongtarn Shinawatra on Wednesday, May 22, 2025, to discuss key regional concerns, including the ongoing Myanmar crisis, defense cooperation, and deeper ASEAN integration.

The trip is part of Prabowo’s early diplomatic engagements as he prepares to assume office in October. He used the visit to emphasize regional unity and mutual economic development, while affirming Indonesia’s commitment to ASEAN’s central role in addressing security and humanitarian issues in Southeast Asia.

“Thailand and Indonesia are strong partners in ASEAN,” Prabowo said after the meeting. “Together, we can ensure peace, prosperity, and cooperation in the region.”

🇲🇲 Myanmar Tops the Agenda

The deteriorating situation in Myanmar was a central focus of the dialogue. Both sides agreed on the urgent need for diplomatic engagement to ease violence and humanitarian suffering. Prabowo reiterated Indonesia’s support for ASEAN’s Five-Point Consensus, which calls for an immediate cessation of violence, dialogue among all parties, and humanitarian aid access.

Prime Minister Srettha echoed these sentiments, emphasizing Thailand’s proximity to Myanmar and the regional implications of instability, including cross-border refugee flows and trade disruptions.

Strengthening Bilateral Ties

The leaders also discussed advancing bilateral cooperation in defense, economy, education, and tourism, with Prabowo highlighting Indonesia’s intention to expand strategic ties under his presidency. He praised Thailand’s economic reforms and expressed interest in boosting joint investments and military coordination, especially in border security and cyber threats.

This is Prabowo’s first formal foreign visit since winning Indonesia’s February election, signaling his intent to reinforce Jakarta’s leadership role within ASEAN while maintaining constructive relations with key neighbors.

Meeting with Paetongtarn Shinawatra

In addition to state-level talks, Prabowo met with Paetongtarn Shinawatra, the influential Pheu Thai leader and daughter of former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra. While largely symbolic, the meeting underscored Prabowo’s effort to build ties with both Thailand’s government and its ruling party, suggesting a long-term vision for political and generational engagement across the region.

A Unified ASEAN Vision

The Bangkok visit reflects Indonesia’s ambition to lead ASEAN through its internal divisions — especially concerning Myanmar — and present a united front on issues ranging from economic integration to regional security.

“A stable ASEAN is the foundation of a strong Asia,” Prabowo said. “Indonesia will play its part responsibly.”

With both Indonesia and Thailand positioned as key players, observers expect more coordinated diplomatic efforts on the Myanmar issue in the coming months, possibly leading up to new proposals at the next ASEAN summit.

What to Watch

• Will Thailand and Indonesia propose a new Myanmar mediation framework?
  
• Could bilateral cooperation between Jakarta and Bangkok expand into joint defense exercises?
  
• How will Paetongtarn’s influence shape long-term Thai-Indonesian political relations?
  
• Can ASEAN overcome internal divisions with stronger leadership from its largest members?

Prabowo’s visit to Bangkok is more than a courtesy call — it’s a signal of Indonesia’s strategic return to regional leadership, as Southeast Asia faces one of its most turbulent periods in recent memory. Whether symbolic or substantive, the visit sets the stage for greater ASEAN cohesion — or renewed political test.

Source; AP News