RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - The Thai government awarded the Royal Thai Armed Forces Honorary Medal to Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto as a form of respect for the contributions and close relationship that have developed in the field of defense between the two countries. The Prime Minister of Thailand, Anutin Charnvirakul, presented the award during an official visit to the Merdeka Palace, Jakarta, on Monday, August 3, 2026.

In the meeting, Anutin said the award reflects the high respect of the Thai military toward Prabowo. According to him, before departing for Indonesia, he received a briefing from senior officials of the Thai Army who expressed their appreciation for Prabowo's track record in the military field.

"Before embarking on this journey, I asked senior Army officials to provide a briefing. They told me that you are truly an iconic military figure," Anutin said in front of President Prabowo.

Anutin added that many young officers and generals in Thailand know and admire Prabowo. He also personally brought the honorary medal entrusted by the Royal Thai Armed Forces to be presented to the President of Indonesia as a symbol of respect and friendship between the two countries.

In addition to conveying the award, Anutin emphasized Thailand's commitment to continue strengthening defense cooperation with Indonesia. According to him, the two countries will enhance collaboration thru joint military exercises, information exchange, and strengthening maritime security cooperation.

Anutin also revealed that President Prabowo has a historical closeness with the Thai military because he once underwent training with the Thai Special Forces while still serving in the Indonesian Special Forces. According to him, that relationship has become one of the strong foundations for defense cooperation between the two countries.

"I am also very pleased to know that His Excellency the President once trained with the Thai Special Forces while serving in the Indonesian Special Forces," he explained.

The awarding of the honorary medal was part of the official visit of the Prime Minister of Thailand to Indonesia, which also resulted in several agreements to strengthen bilateral cooperation, including in the fields of defense, security, trade, and ASEAN regional issues.