S'pore & Thailand to develop multi-year agenda for consecutive Asean chairmanships

Singapore and Thailand have agreed to collaborate on a multi-year agenda for their upcoming consecutive Asean chairmanships. This joint effort was discussed during the Singapore-Thailand Leaders Retreat in Bangkok on September 2, 2026. Singapore's Prime Minister Lawrence Wong and Thailand's Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul spoke at the joint press conference, emphasizing the strong bilateral relationship between the two nations.

Singapore is set to take the Asean chair in 2027, while Thailand will chair the region in 2028. Wong highlighted the excellent shape of the Singapore-Thailand relationship, built on trust, rapport, and strong institutional ties. These include bilateral platforms such as the Singapore-Thailand Enhanced Economic Relationship (STEER) and the Civil Service Exchange Program, as well as defense and economic cooperation.

The relationship has evolved to address changing priorities, such as food and energy security, the digital economy, and combating transnational crime. The retreat allowed for the review of progress and the identification of concrete projects, such as those in food and energy security, emerging technologies like AI, and regional connectivity.

Wong mentioned that Thailand's position as a regional trade and logistics hub is a priority, and Singapore can provide valuable support through its companies' capabilities and experience. An MoU was signed to strengthen cooperation in the social sector development field, enabling both countries to learn from each other's experiences and find solutions to mutual challenges.

Both leaders agreed that sustained efforts are needed to maintain momentum and progress on important initiatives. Anutin welcomed Wong as a trusted friend and stated that Thailand will be Singapore's reliable partner in various initiatives, including the 2025 rice trade agreement to supply 100,000 tonnes of Thai rice over five years and expanding cooperation in other products.