Celebrating 75 Years of Diplomatic Relations with Panel on “Strengthening Dynamic Collaboration for Regional Prosperity and Stability” 

Bangkok, April 30, 2025 – The Indonesian Embassy in Bangkok, in collaboration with the Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Institute of Security and International Studies (ISIS) Thailand at the Faculty of Political Sciences, Chulalongkorn University, held a panel discussion entitled “75 Years of Indonesia–Thailand Partnership: Strengthening of a Dynamic Collaboration for Regional Prosperity and Stability” on Wednesday, April 30, 2025 at the Chumbot-Panthip Conference Room, Prajadhipok Rambhaibarni Building, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok. 

This panel discussion was held in commemoration of the 75th anniversary of Indonesia-Thailand diplomatic relations, which officially began on March 7, 1950. The event was attended by diplomats, academics, politicians, government officials, students, and cooperation partners from both countries. 

Ambassador Rachmat Budiman opened the event by delivering a keynote speech highlighting the close historical, cultural, and diplomatic ties between Indonesia and Thailand that have been established for centuries. 

“Today is not just a commemoration of a historic date but a celebration of the partnership that has grown through trust, solidarity, and meaningful cooperation. We are now at the moment to strengthen the shared vision of a peaceful, stable, and prosperous region,” said Ambassador Rachmat Budiman. 

The panel discussion featured speakers from the foreign ministry, officials, academics, and international relations experts, including: 

• Dr. Suwit Mangkhala (Deputy Director General of ASEAN Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Thailand) 
• H.E. Mr. Mirza Nurhidayat (Director of Southeast Asia, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia) 
• Dr. Chanintira na Thalang (Lecturer in International Relations, Thammasat University) 
• Dr. Amelia Joan Ribka Liwe (Head of the Master Program in International Relations, Universitas Pelita Harapan) 
• Dr. Pongphisoot Busbarat (Director of ISIS Thailand, Chulalongkorn University) 
• In the discussion, the speakers discussed strategies to increase bilateral cooperation in various fields, including trade, defense, education, and culture, as well as handling regional issues such as the centrality of ASEAN and the situation in Myanmar. 

Some of the key points that emerged in the discussion include: 

• The importance of revitalizing bilateral mechanisms such as the Joint Commission Meeting (JCM) and the Indonesia-Thailand Security Dialogue (ITSD). 
• Strengthening defense and security cooperation, including the idea of establishing a 2+2 meeting between the Foreign Minister and the Minister of Defense of the two countries. 
• Development of trade and mutual investment networks through regional supply chains. 
• Increasing cultural and educational exchanges to strengthen ties between communities. 
• Collaboration in regional development, including through synergy between Indonesian Aid and the Thailand International Cooperation Agency (TICA). 

This event is also a strategic moment ahead of the implementation of the 10th Joint Commission Meeting between the Ministers of Foreign Affairs of the two countries, which will be held on May 2, 2025, in Bangkok. “Today’s discussion is an important stepping stone in building a stronger, more inclusive, and relevant Indonesia-Thailand partnership amid the dynamics of the region that continues to develop,” concluded Ambassador Rachmat. 

Also present in the discussion were former Thai Foreign Minister, Kasit Piromya who is currently a Senior Fellowship of ISIS Thailand and Saniwan Buaban, a member of the Thai parliament in his capacity as the Executive Committee of the Thailand – Indonesia Parliamentary Friendship Group. 

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