Thailand, Australia boost ties in transport and logistics
Thailand and Australia are seeking to strengthen cooperation in transport infrastructure and carbon emission reduction in the logistics sector.
Thai Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport Suriya Jungrungreangkit (right) and Australian Ambassador to Thailand Angela Macdonald (Photo: The Nation)
Bangkok (VNA) - Thailand and Australia are s𝐆eeking to strengthen cooperation in transport infrastructure and carbon emission reduction in the logisღtics sector, as discussed between Thai Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport Suriya Jungrungreangkit and Australian Ambassador to Thailand Angela Macdonald in Bangkok on February 14.
At the meeting, Ambassador Macdonald highlighted the Southeast Asia Investment Financing Facility project, an initiative of the Australian government to boost investment in infrastructure and key development projects in the Southeast Asian region.
Australia promised to continue to support the P4I-MOT initiative, which has provided technical expertise to boost the potential of personnel under the ministry.
Suriya said both parties discussed the study and development of a roadmap for the transition of public transport buses from internal combustion engines to electric vehicles, the exchange of knowledge on infrastructure development with focus on disaster resilience and climate change adaptation, as well as the land bridge project and sustainable marine transport policies.
The transport minister thanked the Australian government for supporting cooperation in carbon reduction in Thailand's marine transport sector, with the aim of reducing greenhouse gas emissions from shipping operations and port activities.
He said this collaboration would help strengthen green shipping routes and promote sustainable marine transport in the region. He called for support from Australia in Thailand's bid for a seat on the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) Council for the term 2026-2027, with voting to take place in November 2025.
Suriya highlighted the ministry’s commitment to enhancing Thailand's competitiveness through the development of infrastructure across road, water, rail, and air transport sectors.
He said the ministry also aims to connect the transportation of people, goods and services with fair and reasonable pricing and service levels that are in line with the cost of living. This would facilitate the movement of people, open up trade opportunities, and create prospects for Thailand, ultimately positioning the country as a regional hub for trade and transportation in Southeast Asia, he said./.
Thailand's Ministry of Finance is mulling amending tax laws on income from foreign investments to create a more favourable environment for investors and lure Thais to repatriate their earnings.
The Thai Ministry of Digital Economy and Society said it is cooperating with over 300 agencies to eradicate fake news while looking to use articial intelligence (AI) to verify news reports.
The World Bank will provide a 2.1 billion USD financing package for Indonesia, focusing oncreating jobs, stimulating economic growth, and enhancing access to clean energy across the country.
Member states also reviewed progress on six priority areas for 2025, including the development of an underground cable framework, the follow-up agreement to the ASEAN Petroleum Security Agreement (APSA), the launch of the ASEAN Energy Efficiency Database, and the rollout of an investment platform for sustainable building initiatives.
In March, Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra met with Formula 1 chief Stefano Domenicali and said Thailand would commission a feasibility study into hosting a Grand Prix on a Bangkok street circuit from 2028.
The proposed giant sea wall aligns with bilateral cooperation and has been designated a national priority, considering that several regions in Indonesia are experiencing land subsidence of 10–15 centimetres per year.
International flights were cancelled including Jetstar and Virgin Australia flights to cities across Australia, and flights of Air India, Air New Zealand, Singapore's TigerAir and China's Juneyao Airlines.
The partnership aims to strengthen collaboration in the exploration and exploitation of mineral resources, including gold, copper, and manganese, as well as in the development of steel, aluminum, and renewable energy industries.
The Thai cabinet has approved a seven-year EV bus leasing scheme proposed by the Bangkok Mass Transit Authority (BMTA) for the capital, with an estimated cost of 15.35 billion THB (over 470 million USD).
Aircraft are prohibited from flying below 6,000 metres in the vicinity of the volcano, and should also remain alert to the presence of volcanic ash, which can disrupt flights.
Laos declared the transfer of the press management functions of five key media agencies and associated personnel to the Propaganda and Training Board of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party Central Committee.
Univers said in a statement that the new centre will serve as a hub for innovation, bringing together digital intelligence and climate ambition to accelerate Sarawak's transition toward a low-carbon, tech-enabled economy.
The target is to be completely free from plastic waste within two years. This can only be achieved if all parties implement the initiative with strong discipline.
Indonesia is taking new steps to improve protections for fishery workers, amid concerns over low wages, harsh working conditions, and limited access to social welfare.
The 2025 ASEAN- the Republic of Korea (RoK) Connectivity Forum that opened in Jakarta on June 17 reaffirmed a shared commitment to shaping a connected, resilient future by advancing the ASEAN Connectivity Strategic Plan.
The desk will serve as a service centre providing market intelligence, business licensing guidance, facilitating business cooperation, identifying potential investment projects, and harmonising regulatory policies between the two parties.
Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim noted that the Asia-Pacific region accounted for half of global energy consumption and 60% of greenhouse gas emissions in 2024. Despite this, regional countries, including eight of ten ASEAN member states, remain committed to climate goals, including net-zero emissions and tripling global renewable capacity by 2030.
The new halal cooperation arrangement will streamline halal certification and product assurance processes, making it easier for New Zealand exporters to access the Indonesian market.