On 17 January 2020, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Thailand and the Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia in Bangkok jointly organised the launching of the logo to commemorate the 70^th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Thailand and Indonesia at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The event was co-officiated by Ms. Arjaree Sriratanaban, Director-General of the Department of East Asian Affairs, and H.E. Mr. Ahmad Rusdi, Ambassador of the Republic of Indonesia to Thailand.

The Director-General and the Ambassador delivered remarks emphasising the cordial ties between Thailand and Indonesia which dates back centuries ago, long before the formal establishment of diplomatic relations. Among the highlights were the royal visits by King Chulalongkorn to Java in 1870, 1896 and 1901. This year’s 70^th anniversary marks a very auspicious occasion to promote and strengthen cooperation in all sectors, especially people-to-people bonds.

The logo competition was organised to raise awareness among the general public about Thai – Indonesian relations. It attracted 637 entries from all over Thailand and Indonesia. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia jointly announced that Mr. Yudi Priyatno, a 21 year-old student from Indonesia, was chosen as the winner of the competition and Mr. Thanee Mueannut, a 52 year-old Thai graphic designer, as the runner-up.

The winner’s design consists of the shapes of an elephant, the symbol of Thailand, and the Garuda, the symbol of Indonesia, harmoniously forming the number 70 representing the 70^th anniversary. Other features include the shape of a running man representing passion for innovation and creativity, the circle representing integration, cooperation and determination to keep moving forward together, and the wave representing confidence to face the future. The design is in blue and red tone after the flag colours of Thailand and Indonesia. Blue symbolises professionalism, peace and stability, while red symbolises dynamism, courage and reliability.

A series of activities have been planned to commemorate the 70^th anniversary under the theme “Creativity and Innovation” throughout 2020, including a batik workshop, a seminar on creative economy, film festival, cultural performances, and a business forum. The winning logo will be featured at all activities both in Thailand and in Indonesia. The two sides will continue to work closely to strengthen bilateral relations for the mutual benefit of their respective countries, peoples and beyond.