The leaders of Thailand and Indonesia have agreed to upgrade their countries' ties to a strategic partnership. The move comes amid a wider regional push to strengthen diplomatic relations.



At a joint conference, Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra said, "As founding members of ASEAN and major economies of the region, Thailand and Indonesia will join hands in making ASEAN stronger at a time of global economic and geographical uncertainty."



Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto said the countries agreed to deepen security cooperation through closer leader- and agency-level visits and dialogue.



The two sides also agreed to enhance cooperation in combating transnational crimes, especially online scams and human trafficking.



Diplomatic bonds are tightening across Southeast Asia.
In March, Vietnam and Singapore boosted their relations to a comprehensive strategic partnership.
Thailand and Vietnam did the same last week.



Analysts see this push for closer partnerships within ASEAN as a response to uncertainty in US foreign policy under the Trump administration, including over tariffs.