Singapore leaders congratulate Thailand as both sides mark 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations

SINGAPORE – Singapore’s leaders sent congratulatory messages to Thai leaders on Sept 25, as the two countries marked 60 years of diplomatic relations five days earlier, on Sept 20.

In a letter addressed to Thai Prime Minister and Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, Prime Minister Lawrence Wong pointed out the “long history of friendship and partnership” between the two nations.

The relationship between Singapore and Thailand had grown to include areas of cooperation such as defence, trade and investment, education, and culture, PM Wong added.

“In recent years, we also deepened our collaboration through significant initiatives such as the world’s first cross-border payment system in April 2021, the Thailand-Singapore Depository Receipts Linkage in May 2023, and most recently, the Implementation Agreement on carbon credits collaboration,” he said.

“I look forward to working with you to further advance our relations and to expand our collaboration in new and emerging areas, such as sustainability and the digital economy, for the benefit of both our peoples,” Mr Wong added.

Separately, Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan, in his message to Thai counterpart Sihasak Phuangketkeow, said the anniversary “underscores the enduring and multi-faceted partnership” between Singapore and Thailand, which has strengthened over six decades.

“Our friendship is underpinned by close defence cooperation, robust economic links, and strong people-to-people ties. We continue to build on this solid foundation to explore new areas of cooperation, including in emerging areas such as sustainability and the digital economy,” Dr Balakrishnan said.

“These collaborations have the potential to create new economic value, both bilaterally and regionally. I look forward to working with you to take the Singapore-Thailand relationship to even greater heights,” he added.