"Beyond My Expectations": President Prabowo Awarded Medal from Royal Thai Army

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta – Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto, received a Thai military honor: the Special Warfare Command Medal of the Royal Thai Army. It was presented by Thai Prime Minister (PM) Anutin Charnvirakul during an official visit to the Merdeka Palace in Jakarta on Monday, August 3, 2026.

In addition to the medal, President Prabowo received accompanying decorations: a red beret representing the command and an airborne aiguillette, a symbol of courage, readiness for duty, and honor. According to the Indonesian Presidential Secretariat, this marks the first time a foreign head of state has been awarded the red beret of the command.

In a joint press statement, PM Anutin stated that Prabowo is a former soldier who is highly praised by the Thai armed forces. The military honors, Anutin said, were bestowed upon President Prabowo as a token of respect for his service to the nation and state.

"Therefore, the Thai armed forces presented a souvenir to President Prabowo as a form of respect," Anutin said, as quoted from the secretariat.

Upon receiving the award, President Prabowo expressed his deep appreciation to the Thai government for the honor. He considered this award a reflection of the trust and close relationship between the two countries.

"This award is beyond my expectations, and I consider it a reflection of the trust, friendship, mutual respect, and close relationship between Indonesia and Thailand," President Prabowo conveyed.

The secretariat said the awarding underscores the close relationship between Indonesia and Thailand. The relations, it continued, continue to grow not only in diplomacy and economics, but also in defense and military cooperation based on mutual respect, mutual trust, and friendship.