Thai PM expresses condolences over Indonesia ferry fire

Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul. (Teddy VOI)

JAKARTA - Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul expressed condolences over the ferry boat fire tragedy that occurred in Indonesia.

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

Anutin opened his statement by expressing his condolences on behalf of the Thai people. He said the thoughts and prayers of the Thai people were with the victims and their families.

"Let me begin this meeting by expressing my deepest condolences, on behalf of the Thai people, for the tragedy of the ferry fire that occurred in Indonesia yesterday," said Anutin.

"Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims and their families. I hope there will be no more casualties," he said.

Anutin also said he had received information from Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto that the ferry fire situation had been successfully controlled.

"I also heard good news from Minister Airlangga Hartarto that the situation has been successfully controlled," said Anutin.

The statement of grief was delivered before Anutin entered into discussions on Indonesian-Thai cooperation. He then referred to the two countries as the main pillars of ASEAN that needed to work more closely.

According to Anutin, Indonesia and Thailand need to expand bilateral cooperation while encouraging regional progress.

He also alluded to President Prabowo's visit to Thailand last year. According to Anutin, the visit is still a good memory for the Thai people, especially when Prabowo paid military honors to the King of Thailand.

"All Thais smile at this honor because it really reflects the close friendship between our two countries," Anutin said.

Anutin's visit to Jakarta was a follow-up to Prabowo's visit to Thailand last year. At that time, the two countries announced the establishment of a Strategic Partnership.

Anutin said the second leader-level consultation in Jakarta was an opportunity to review the progress of cooperation as well as accelerate the completion of the agenda that was still pending.