Thai PM Offers Condolences Over Indonesian Ferry Fire

Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has expressed his deepest condolences over the ferry boat fire tragedy that occurred in Indonesia. During a joint press statement with President Prabowo Subianto at the Merdeka Palace in Jakarta on Monday, August 3, Anutin conveyed the sympathies of the Thai people to the victims and their families. "Let me begin this meeting by expressing my deepest condolences, on behalf of the Thai people, for the tragedy of the ferry fire that occurred in Indonesia yesterday," Anutin stated. "Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims and their families. I hope there will be no more casualties." Anutin also noted that he had received information from Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto that the situation had been successfully controlled. "I also heard good news from Minister Airlangga Hartarto that the situation has been successfully controlled," he said. The expression of grief preceded discussions on bilateral cooperation between the two nations. Anutin emphasized that Indonesia and Thailand are key pillars of ASEAN that need to work more closely. He also referenced President Prabowo's visit to Thailand last year, stating that Prabowo's military honors to the King of Thailand were warmly received by the Thai people, reflecting the close friendship between the two countries. Anutin's visit to Jakarta serves as a follow-up to Prabowo's trip to Thailand, where the two countries announced the establishment of a Strategic Partnership. Anutin views the second leader-level consultation in Jakarta as an opportunity to review cooperation progress and accelerate the completion of pending agendas.