Jakarta. As protectionism and geopolitical tensions reshape global trade, Indonesia and Thailand are looking to deepen economic ties and coordinate more closely to make ASEAN more resilient.

Thailand sees closer cooperation with Indonesia as increasingly important as countries turn inward.

“We see more protections as opposed to free trade in this world,” , Thai Ambassador to Indonesia Prapan Disyatat said. “So for Thailand, as you know, we are a medium-sized economy. We rely heavily on exports, our trade.”

Thailand’s trade is equivalent to around 150% of its gross domestic product, making access to markets and open trade particularly important for the country.

The two countries have sought to strengthen their economic relationship through the Strategic Partnership Roadmap 2026-2030, while the Joint Trade Committee, or JTC, is expected to address trade barriers and coordinate economic policies.

But Disyatat said the JTC should go beyond resolving bilateral trade issues and become a platform for Indonesia and Thailand to align their positions on broader economic matters.

“Not only resolving trade barriers between us, but also in aligning our position, our policies in the bigger picture, whether it's in ASEAN or in the WTO, that we can synchronize our policies and both countries will benefit,” he said.

The economic relationship is already substantial. Bilateral trade reached $17.63 billion in 2025, while Indonesia’s trade deficit with Thailand narrowed sharply to $114.6 million, from $2.06 billion in 2021.

For both countries, however, the strategic value of the relationship extends beyond bilateral trade.

Disyatat described Indonesia and Thailand as “the two largest countries in ASEAN, one mainland, one maritime,” giving them different but potentially complementary positions within the regional bloc.

That makes coordination more important as ASEAN faces pressure from growing geopolitical and economic divisions.

“I think it's important for us to synchronize, to work together. And in that way, we can steer the direction of ASEAN to ensure that it remains unified, remains central and relevant in today's world,” he said.

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