Old friends, new deals: Singapore PM makes visit to Thailand

[snoop1130]

Photo courtesy of Chanat Katanyu via Bangkok Post

 

By Puntid Tantivangphaisal

 

In a historic first, Singapore’s Prime Minister Lawrence Wong touched down in Thailand yesterday, November 28, to meet Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra.

 

Marking his first official visit since taking office in May, Wong is the first foreign leader the 38 year old Thai PM has hosted, setting the stage for a high-stakes dialogue on diplomacy and development.

 

The visit coincides with a major milestone: 60 years of diplomatic relations between the two nations, celebrated next year. Thailand was among the first to recognise Singapore’s independence in 1965, cementing a bond that has grown stronger over the decades.

 

At Government House, the leaders witnessed the signing of a memorandum of understanding on scholarships for Thai civil servants. Speaking at a joint press conference, the Thai premier lauded the anniversary as a benchmark and said the visit would improve ties further and plan for future cooperation, highlighting plans for more high-level exchanges, including a potential visit by Singapore’s premier.

 

Key topics included food and energy security, the green economy, and digital connectivity.

 

 

“We have strong trade and investment linkages, and our defence establishments also enjoy close cooperation,” Wong noted, thanking Thailand for supporting Singapore Armed Forces training.

 

PM Paetongtarn pledged Thailand’s commitment to bolstering Singapore’s food security by exporting premium rice and organic eggs. Human resource development, educational exchanges, and upskilling initiatives were also on the agenda.

 

The leaders expressed mutual interest in carbon credit collaborations and expanding green power projects like hydrogen and biofuels. Wong praised Thailand’s leadership in driving the ASEAN Digital Economy Framework, calling it vital for regional integration.

 

Both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to tackling shared challenges, including the Myanmar crisis, during extended consultations in Bangkok next month, reported Bangkok Post.

 

“Thailand and Singapore are old friends,” said Wong, underscoring their vision of a greener, more connected future.

 

Source: The Thaiger

-- 2024-11-29

 

 

[bkknirvana]

Thailand should not welcome dictators!

[hotchilli]

12 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

Thailand was among the first to recognise Singapore’s independence in 1965, cementing a bond that has grown stronger over the decades.

Since which time Singapore has evolved and Thailand hasn't

[Srikcir]

1 hour ago, bkknirvana said:

Thailand should not welcome dictators!

But "peas in a pod."

[Srikcir]

1 hour ago, hotchilli said:

Since which time Singapore has evolved and Thailand hasn't

GDP per Capita 2023 Singapore $84,734 vs Thailand $7,336.

(AI)

Singapore's GDP per capita is high due to a number of factors, including:

     - Low corruption: Singapore is a highly efficient country with low levels of corruption. 

     - Pro-business environment: Singapore's low tax rates and pro-business environment attract FDI. 

     - Manufacturing and exports: advanced manufacturing & export facilities. 

Thailand's GDP per capita is lower than Singapore's because Thailand is mainly an agricultural economy that relies on growing crops like rice

[watchcat]

14 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

In a historic first, Singapore’s Prime Minister Lawrence Wong touched down in Thailand yesterday, November 28, to meet Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra.

 

I thought it was to meet Thaksin also known a the emperor of Thailand

[Rimmer]

A post with an altered quote has been removed

[NoshowJones]

5 hours ago, bkknirvana said:

Thailand should not welcome dictators!

Did they not have one for 9 years when the soldiers staged an illegal coup? Granted the vast majority of Thais did not want the Military Academy educated unelected soldier as PM and could do nothing about the guns and tanks behind him, but it sure shows you what a Banana Republic of a country Thailand really is.

[sscc]

7 hours ago, bkknirvana said:

Thailand should not welcome dictators!

 

Thailand welcomes all.

Similarly, Singapore welcomes all too.   

Not long ago, Singapore received USA 45th President and received North Korea President on same day.  That made history worldwide in case you forgot.

 

The  world is not just black or white,  John Wayne or villain,  1 or 0.