Singapore and Thailand agreed to deepen cooperation in AI, green and digital economies, energy, food security, connectivity and security. Their renewed strategic partnership will also support coordinated ASEAN priorities during their 2027 and 2028 chairmanships.
Singapore and Thailand have agreed to deepen their bilateral partnership across the green and digital economies, artificial intelligence, energy resilience, food security, connectivity and security, as the two countries seek to translate longstanding relations into practical projects.
The agreement was reached during the Singapore-Thailand Leaders’ Retreat in Bangkok on September 2, where Singapore Prime Minister Lawrence Wong met Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul. The meeting marked the first Leaders’ Retreat between the two leaders and the revival of the platform after more than a decade. The previous retreat was held in Singapore in 2015.
Also Read: Sustainability and Circular Economy: Transforming the Manufacturing Landscape
The two leaders reaffirmed their longstanding defence and economic cooperation and agreed to advance a “Forward-Looking Strategic Partnership”. Their discussions covered emerging areas of cooperation, including artificial intelligence, green and digital economies, energy resilience, food security, connectivity and combating transnational crime.
AI emerged as a key area of future collaboration. Both countries are investing in artificial intelligence and exploring wider adoption across their economies. Singapore and Thailand identified manufacturing, healthcare and tourism as sectors where AI applications could create practical opportunities. They also intend to exchange experiences on responsible and safe AI deployment while encouraging innovation.
Food and energy security were also prioritised. The countries are seeking stronger food supply chains through greater cooperation between producers and traders. A bilateral rice trade agreement concluded previously is expected to strengthen Singapore’s food security while expanding export opportunities for Thai farmers. On energy, both sides are exploring cooperation through the ASEAN Power Grid and carbon-credit initiatives.
Connectivity was another focus. Singapore is positioned to support Thailand’s ambition to become a regional trade and logistics hub, while both countries are looking to expand digital connectivity and fintech cooperation. Their PromptPay-PayNow linkage, launched in 2021, was the world’s first connection between two national real-time payment systems.
Also Read: How AI is Transforming Manufacturing Faster Than Ever
The two countries also signed an MoU on social sector development, covering personnel exchanges, knowledge sharing, research, institutional visits, workshops and training.
The partnership carries wider regional significance as Singapore will chair ASEAN in 2027, followed by Thailand in 2028. The leaders agreed to develop a multi-year agenda to ensure continuity between their respective chairmanships and advance regional integration, connectivity and resilience.