Thai PM Reveals Bangkok Bank's Acquisition of Bank Permata During Investment Talks

President Prabowo Subianto received a visit from Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul at the Presidential Palace in Central Jakarta. During the meeting, Anutin stated that Indonesia is one of the most trusted investment destinations for Thailand. “We have very high confidence in your country and every investor who comes to do business in Indonesia is very happy,” Anutin said during the bilateral meeting on Monday (3/8/2026).

Anutin cited how one of Thailand’s largest banks, Bangkok Bank, invested in Indonesia by acquiring Permata Bank, enhancing business cooperation between the two countries. “Our Bangkok Bank Limited, which is one of the major banks in Thailand, has acquired one of the major banks in your country to expand business for both nations, Permata,” Anutin stated.

On this basis, Anutin specifically requested that the Indonesian government provide support to Thai entrepreneurs and investors. In return, he pledged to do the same. “Therefore, I hope for your continued support to ensure fair treatment and ease of doing business for Thai companies, and we will do the same,” Anutin said.

He also noted that Indonesian investment in Thailand, such as Lion Air, is a very good success story of Indonesian investment in the aviation business in Thailand. He suggested both countries can focus on enhancing value chain connectivity and building the combined economic strength of their populations, which total over 350 million people.

Anutin further remarked that Indonesia is Thailand’s fourth-largest trading partner in ASEAN, and he expressed hope that this cooperation can increase until Indonesia becomes the largest. “Regarding economic cooperation, Indonesia is Thailand’s fourth-largest trading partner in ASEAN, and we believe that Indonesia should be the first. Given the size of both economies, we must strive harder to increase this trade volume,” he explained.