Bangkok Bank Acquires Indonesia's Largest Bank, Anutin Talks of Investing in Two Countries

JAKARTA - Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul said Thai investors have great confidence in Indonesia. He asked President Prabowo Subianto for support so that ease of doing business for Thai companies is maintained.

The statement was made by Anutin in a joint press statement with Prabowo at the Merdeka Palace, Jakarta, Monday, August 3.

Anutin said every Thai investor who came to Indonesia was satisfied. In fact, Thai business actors asked to meet him after finding out that he was on an official visit to Jakarta.

"We have a lot of confidence in Indonesia," Anutin said.

"Every Thai investor who comes to Indonesia always feels satisfied," he said.

Anutin said he would meet with Thai investors in Indonesia on Tuesday morning.

He also alluded to Bangkok Bank Limited, one of the largest banks in Thailand, which has acquired one of the largest banks in Indonesia. According to Anutin, this move was made to expand investment between the two countries.

"I hope your support will continue to ensure fair treatment and ease of doing business for Thai companies in Indonesia," said Anutin.

He said Thailand would give the same treatment to Indonesian companies seeking to do business in Thailand.

Anutin also mentioned Indonesian investment in Thailand. One of the highlights was Lion Air in the Thai aviation industry.

"We also want to convey that Indonesian investment in Thailand, such as Lion Air, is one of the success stories of Indonesian investment in the Thai aviation industry," he said.

According to Anutin, Indonesia and Thailand can strengthen the value chain by utilizing the combined strength of the two economies which have a population of more than 350 million.

The value chain is a series of business activities from production, distribution, to products to consumers.

Anutin hopes that the business forum he will attend on Tuesday can bring together business leaders from both countries.

He wants Indonesian and Thai business actors to expand partnerships and build a more connected value chain between the two economies.

Anutin also proposed that the Thailand-Indonesia Energy Forum be reactivated. The forum was last held in 2014 in Bangkok.

According to Anutin, an energy forum needs to be held again to strengthen cooperation in natural gas, coal, and future energy sources.