Introductory Visit of Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Thailand Sihasak Phuangketkeow, 21 to 22 October 2025

Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Thailand Sihasak Phuangketkeow made his introductory visit to Singapore from 21 to 22 October 2025, at the invitation of Minister for Foreign Affairs Dr Vivian Balakrishnan.

Minister Balakrishnan had a bilateral meeting with Minister Sihasak and hosted him to dinner on 21 October. The Ministers reaffirmed the enduring and multifaceted relations between Singapore and Thailand, underpinned by regular high-level visits, close defence cooperation, robust economic links, and strong people-to-people ties. They also exchanged views on regional and international developments, the importance of strengthening partnerships amidst a volatile and unpredictable global environment, and avenues to expand our collaboration in new and emerging areas, both bilaterally and in the regional context.

Both Ministers jointly officiated the Opening Ceremony of the 15^th Singapore-Thailand Civil Service Exchange Programme (CSEP) this morning. The CSEP continues to play an important role in promoting camaraderie and enhancing cooperation between the two civil services across a wide range of areas. Reflecting a shared commitment to strengthen bilateral cooperation amidst global challenges, the 15^th CSEP was convened under the theme, “Partners in Progress, Shaping a Green and Digital Future”. The Joint Press Statement on the 15^th CSEP is at ANNEX.

Minister Sihasak made a courtesy call on Prime Minister and Minister for Finance Lawrence Wong. They reaffirmed the strong and excellent relations between our two countries.Building on the commemoration of the 60^th anniversary of diplomatic relations this year, Prime Minister Wong and Minister Sihasak reaffirmed the importance of expanding cooperation in forward-looking areas, especially the digital and green economies, food security, and renewable energy, including on the ASEAN Power Grid. As fellow founding members of ASEAN, both countries will continue to work closely together, for a peaceful, stable, and prosperous region.

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MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS

SINGAPORE

22 OCTOBER 2025

ANNEX

JOINT PRESS STATEMENT

ON THE 15^TH SINGAPORE-THAILAND

CIVIL SERVICE EXCHANGE PROGRAMME

21-22 OCTOBER 2025

SINGAPORE

The 15^th Singapore - Thailand Civil Service Exchange Programme (CSEP) was held in Singapore from 21 to 22 October 2025. His Excellency Dr. Vivian Balakrishnan, Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Singapore and His Excellency Mr. Sihasak Phuangketkeow, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Thailand, jointly officiated the Opening Ceremony.

Since its inception in 1997, CSEP has played an important role in promoting camaraderie and enhancing cooperation between the two civil services in areas such as education, youth, technology, health and the environment. The 15^th CSEP Plenary was co-chaired by Mr. Albert Chua, Permanent Secretary (Foreign Affairs) of the Republic of Singapore and Mrs. Eksiri Pintaruchi, Permanent Secretary (Foreign Affairs) of the Kingdom of Thailand.

Reflecting a shared commitment to strengthen bilateral cooperation amidst global challenges, the 15^th CSEP was convened under the theme, “Partners in Progress, Shaping a Green and Digital Future”. Discussions took place under the three Pillars of Partnership for Sustainability, Partnership for Economic Growth and Social Development, and Partnership for Human Empowerment and Public Service Development. Senior officials of both countries reviewed the ongoing cooperation between the two civil services and agreed to cooperate in forward looking areas like carbon credits, food security, digital economy, combatting transnational crime, higher education and technical cooperation. The two Permanent Secretaries also co-chaired the 4^th Singapore-Thailand Political Consultations (STPC) that followed, to discuss the outcomes of the 15^th CSEP.

Singapore and Thailand celebrate the 60^th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations in 2025. Both countries share a longstanding relationship anchored by close cooperation across multiple domains and strong people-to-people ties. Singapore and Thailand look forward to the 16^th CSEP, which will be held in Thailand.

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