Thailand and Singapore discussed strategic cooperation, ASEAN priorities, security, energy and economic connectivity.
On 2 September 2026, Thailand and Singapore held the 5th Thailand-Singapore Leaders’ Retreat in Bangkok, providing an opportunity for Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and Prime Minister Lawrence Wong to set the direction of bilateral cooperation amid a changing global landscape. The Retreat was the first Thailand-Singapore Leaders’ Retreat in 11 years, following the previous meeting in 2015.
Singapore Prime Minister Lawrence Wong and his spouse, Mrs Loo Tze Lui, were welcomed at Suvarnabhumi Airport by Thailand’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, H.E. Mr Sihasak Phuangketkeow, and his spouse, on behalf of the Royal Thai Government, during their official visit to Thailand as Guests of the Government.
At the Leaders’ Retreat, the two sides discussed a forward-looking strategic partnership in four areas. These included a sustainable green partnership covering energy security, the ASEAN Power Grid, low-carbon energy investment, green technology and finance, and carbon credits; a connected and resilient economy focusing on high-tech industries, human resources, financial and capital market connectivity, food security and the digital economy; enhanced defence and security cooperation, including cybersecurity, online scams, military exercises and defence industries; and closer coordination on regional strategic issues.
The two leaders also exchanged views on strengthening ASEAN during the consecutive ASEAN Chairships of Singapore in 2027 and Thailand in 2028. Discussions covered ASEAN’s role in promoting peace, stability and development, as well as ASEAN-Myanmar relations and the Thailand-Cambodia situation.
The two sides issued the Joint Statement of the Thailand-Singapore “Forward-Looking Strategic Partnership” and announced their intention to conclude four additional cooperation documents covering the digital economy, including artificial intelligence; combating transnational crime and online scams; food security; and supply chain resilience.
Thailand will also host the Civil Service Exchange Programme and the Singapore-Thailand Enhanced Economic Relationship Meeting to follow up on the Retreat’s outcomes. During the visit, the two Prime Ministers witnessed the exchange of an MOU on social development and family development cooperation.
Source: Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Thailand
