Strengthening Ties: Singapore and Thailand Collaborate on Green Economy, Food Security, and Civil Service Development
- Kelvin Tan
- Dec 2, 2024
- 2 min read
During an official visit to Bangkok, Singapore's Prime Minister Lawrence Wong and Thailand's Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra discussed enhancing cooperation in areas such as the green economy and food security. Mr Wong emphasised the potential for collaboration in carbon credits, noting that Thailand's advancements in green energy, including hydrogen and biofuels, present opportunities for joint efforts. He stated, "We can work towards an implementation agreement on carbon credits collaboration, which will open up new opportunities for our companies."
Addressing food security, Mr Wong highlighted Singapore's reliance on imports and the importance of strengthening this area. He mentioned previous discussions with Ms Paetongtarn, who had shared her priorities on the issue. Ms Paetongtarn expressed Thailand's readiness to support Singapore's food security by increasing exports of premium rice and organic eggs. This collaboration highlights the mutual benefits of leveraging Thailand’s agricultural strengths to address Singapore’s needs.
The two leaders also witnessed the signing of a memorandum of understanding to facilitate Thai civil servants studying in master's programmes at Singaporean universities. Mr Wong remarked, "This builds on a long-standing exchange that we already have between our two civil services." Ms Paetongtarn appreciated Singapore's initiative, stating, "Thailand appreciates Singapore’s granting of scholarships for our civil servants."
Highlighting the strong bilateral ties, Mr Wong noted that Singapore and Thailand are "old friends with a strong and substantive relationship," with collaborations spanning trade, investment, and defence. He also acknowledged the close people-to-people connections, observing that many Singaporeans enjoy visiting Thailand, especially Bangkok, for holidays.
Looking ahead, both leaders anticipate high-level exchanges to commemorate the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Singapore and Thailand next year. Ms Paetongtarn mentioned her planned visit to Singapore and the upcoming visit of Thai Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn in January. Mr Wong expressed his intention to welcome Ms Paetongtarn and her husband, Pidok Sooksawas, to Singapore, underscoring the enduring partnership between the two nations.
Original article by Fabian Koh for Channel News Asia (CNA). Read more here or in the PDF below.
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