Ervana Trikarinaputri, Jakarta – Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul said the Thai military respects Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto. Anutin made this statement while awarding several medals of honor to President Prabowo during his state visit to the Merdeka Palace in Jakarta on Monday, August 3, 2026.

On that occasion, Prime Minister Anutin revealed that he had brought medals of honor to present to Prabowo as a token of respect from the Thai Armed Forces. "I have brought several medals that our Army wholeheartedly wishes to present to you, because you are a military figure they greatly respect," Prime Minister Anutin said, as quoted in a press release from the Indonesian Government Communications Agency.

Anutin explained that before leaving for Indonesia, he had first sought guidance from senior Thai Army officials. "They told me that you are truly an iconic military figure," Anutin said.

He claimed that many young Thai generals admire Prabowo. In fact, Anutin said, these generals wanted to join his delegation on their visit to Jakarta.

Anutin then emphasized that the defense relationship between Indonesia and Thailand would continue to be strengthened through joint military exercises, information exchange, and maritime security cooperation.

"I am also very pleased to learn that His Excellency the President trained with the Thai Special Forces while serving in the Indonesian Special Forces," said PM Anutin.

On the same occasion, President Prabowo expressed his appreciation to the Thai government for the honor. The head of state admitted he did not expect to receive such an honor.

"I would also like to express my deepest appreciation to Your Majesty and the Royal Thai Government for the honorary award from the Thai Armed Forces that will be bestowed upon me," said the former Defense Minister during President Joko Widodo's administration. "This award is beyond my expectations, and I consider it a reflection of the trust, friendship, mutual respect, and close relationship between Indonesia and Thailand," Prabowo added.

Source: https://en.tempo.co/read/2116664/thai-pm-to-prabowo-our-military-respects-yo