Thailand, Singapore Seek To Boost Cooperation In Defence, Energy, Aviation

BANGKOK, April 27 (Bernama) -- Thailand and Singapore have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral cooperation across a wide range of sectors, including defence, energy, aviation, and food security.

Thai government spokesperson Ratchada Thanadirek said the matters have been discussed between Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and visiting Singapore’s Coordinating Minister for Public Services and Defence Minister Chan Chun Sing.

“Both sides highlighted the long-standing and close ties between the two countries built through frequent engagements over the years, and expressed readiness to further expand collaboration at both bilateral and regional level,” Ratchada said in a statement on Monday.

In defence, both sides reaffirmed close cooperation underscored by regular high-level exchanges and joint exercises, such as Cobra Gold, with Thailand continuing to support training for the Singapore Armed Forces.

In the energy sector, she said the two countries agreed to expand cooperation in fuel management, energy trade, and regional electricity connectivity to enhance efficiency and strengthen energy security.

“They also identified opportunities in the aviation industry, particularly in maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO), combining Singapore’s technological strengths with Thailand’s strategic location and workforce capacity,” she said.

Anutin and Chan, who were on a three-day working visit, also spoke on deepening cooperation on food security and leveraging Thailand’s role as a major food producer to support regional stability.

Meanwhile, she said the Singapore side also expressed interest in Thailand’s Land Bridge project, which aims to link transport routes between the Gulf of Thailand and the Andaman Sea to boost logistics efficiency and reduce risks.

For the record, Singapore is Thailand’s fourth-largest trading partner within ASEAN, with bilateral trade reaching US$17.76 billion in 2024.

-- BERNAMA