Thai PM Expresses Confidence in Indonesia, Cites Bangkok Bank's Acquisition

Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul expressed strong confidence in Thai investments in Indonesia and requested President Prabowo Subianto to facilitate business for Thai companies. Speaking at a joint press conference at the Merdeka Palace in Jakarta, Anutin stated that Thai investors visiting Indonesia are consistently satisfied. He also noted that Thai business actors sought meetings with him upon learning of his official visit to Jakarta, emphasizing, "We have a lot of confidence in Indonesia." Anutin alluded to Bangkok Bank Limited, one of Thailand's largest banks, having acquired one of Indonesia's major banks. He explained this move was aimed at expanding investment between the two countries, saying, "I hope your support will continue to ensure fair treatment and ease of doing business for Thai companies in Indonesia." He added that Thailand would offer similar treatment to Indonesian companies seeking to do business there. Furthermore, Anutin mentioned Indonesian investment in Thailand, highlighting Lion Air's presence in the Thai aviation industry as a success story. He expressed the view that both countries could strengthen their value chains by leveraging the combined strengths of their economies, which together have a population exceeding 350 million. Anutin anticipates that a business forum scheduled for the following day (August 4) will bring together business leaders from both nations, fostering expanded partnerships and a more connected value chain. He also proposed reactivating the Thailand-Indonesia Energy Forum, which has not been held since 2014, stressing the need to enhance cooperation in natural gas, coal, and future energy sources.