BANGKOK, Thailand – Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Anutin Charnvirakul met with Chan Chun Sing, Singapore’s Coordinating Minister for Public Services and Minister for Defense, on April 27, 2026, to strengthen cooperation in defense, energy, aviation, food security, and regional connectivity.
Government Spokesperson Ratchada Thanadirek reported that the Prime Minister welcomed the Defense Minister at Government House and acknowledged the longstanding friendship between the two countries. He also thanked Lawrence Wong for his earlier congratulations on the Prime Minister’s appointment.
The Defense Minister conveyed Prime Minister Lawrence Wong’s warm regards and expressed hope that Prime Minister Anutin would visit Singapore at a mutually convenient time.
Both sides reaffirmed the strong defense relationship between Thailand and Singapore, highlighted by regular high-level exchanges and annual joint exercises such as Cobra Gold. Prime Minister Anutin confirmed Thailand’s ongoing support for Singapore Armed Forces training activities in Thailand.
The leaders discussed expanding cooperation in energy management, fuel trade, and regional power grid connectivity to improve efficiency, reduce losses, and increase the use of renewable and alternative energy sources, thereby strengthening regional energy security.
In aviation, both sides identified opportunities for cooperation in aircraft maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO). Singapore’s technological expertise and Thailand’s strategic location and skilled workforce were recognized as complementary strengths for developing a regional MRO hub. They discussed cooperation on food security, highlighting Thailand’s role as a major food producer and the potential to enhance regional supply resilience.
The Defense Minister also expressed interest in Thailand’s Land Bridge project, describing it as a strategic logistics link connecting two seas, reducing transport risk, and supporting new industrial growth. Prime Minister Anutin noted that the initiative would require significant investment and broad cooperation among governments, private sector partners, and international stakeholders. (NNT)
