RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - Indonesia and Thailand agreed to strengthen cooperation in the fields of defense and security as part of efforts to maintain stability in the Southeast Asian region. The commitment was one of the outcomes of the bilateral meeting between Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto and Thai Prime Minister, Anutin Charnvirakul at the Merdeka Palace, Jakarta, on Monday, August 3, 2026.

President Prabowo Subianto said that strengthening defense relations needs to be realized thru increased military cooperation between the two countries. These steps include increasing joint exercises and expanding officer exchange programs in training and education.

"We must increase the quantity and level of joint training between the two branches of the defense forces. We must enhance the exchange of officers in training and education," Prabowo said.

In addition to strengthening cooperation between military personnel, the two countries also discussed the development of collaboration in the defense industry sector. This cooperation is expected to expand the strategic partnership while enhancing the defense capabilities of both countries.

Thai Prime Minister, Anutin Charnvirakul, stated that his country is ready to expand defense industry cooperation with Indonesia. One form of cooperation offered is the provision of 36 amphibious wheeled armored vehicles (Amphibious Wheeled Armored Vehicle/AWAV) for the Indonesian Navy Marine Corps, which are currently also used by the Royal Thai Marine Corps.

"I propose that we expand cooperation in the defense industry." Thailand is ready to supply 36 wheeled amphibious armored vehicles (AWAV) to the Indonesian Marine Corps. This model is currently in active use by the Royal Thai Marine Corps," he stated.

Anutin also expressed appreciation for Indonesia's trust in Thai defense industry products. Additionally, he invited Indonesian representatives to participate in the defense and security exhibition to be held in Thailand next November as an effort to strengthen the partnership between the two countries.

The strengthening of defense cooperation complements Indonesia and Thailand's commitment to enhancing strategic relations in various fields, while also reinforcing security collaboration in the ASEAN region thru improved interoperability, defense industry, and inter-agency defense dialog between the two countries.