Jakarta. Indonesia has the resources and market, while Thailand has manufacturing, agricultural and technological expertise. The question is whether the two countries can turn those differences into deeper investment and production links rather than simply trade.

Thai Ambassador to Indonesia Prapan Disyatat sees agriculture as one of the clearest areas for cooperation. “We always say, Indonesia has all the land. We may have a bit of know-how,” Disyatat said in an interview with Jakarta Globe.

Thailand has spent years developing agricultural research, equipment and machinery, while Indonesia offers land and a large consumer market. Disyatat said Thailand was willing to share that expertise as both countries seek to strengthen food security.

The trade relationship is already relatively balanced. Bilateral trade reached $17.63 billion (Rp 310.24 trillion) in 2025, while Indonesia’s trade deficit with Thailand narrowed to $114.6 million from $2.06 billion in 2021.

But moving from trade to deeper economic integration will require the two sides to find areas where their capabilities genuinely fit.

Electric vehicles offer one test. Both countries want to become Southeast Asia’s EV hubs, with Thailand bringing an established automotive industry and Indonesia an advantage in mineral resources.

Yet those strengths do not automatically translate into a shared supply chain. Battery technologies and the materials used by manufacturers can determine whether the two sides can actually work together.

“On the surface, it might seem that we can't cooperate, but we have to look deeper,” Disyatat said.

He pointed to potential cooperation in lithium and vehicle parts. Thai companies are also discussing opportunities in Indonesia’s geothermal – including carbon capture and storage -- and solar energy sectors.

Food offers another opening. Thailand is interested in Indonesia’s halal market, while Indonesia could benefit from Thai expertise in food production and processing.

The potential relationship, therefore, is broader than Thailand gaining access to Indonesian consumers. Indonesia can offer resources, scale and market access, while Thailand can bring technology, production expertise and investment.

The opportunity lies in finding where those strengths meet. “I think this investment will continue to prosper with the growth of the Indonesian economy,” he said.

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