On 22 October 2025, H.E. Mr. Sihasak Phuangketkeow, Minister of Foreign Affairs, and H.E. Dr. Vivian Balakrishnan, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Singapore, jointly presided over the opening ceremony of the 15th Civil Service Exchange Programme (CSEP) under the theme "Partners in Progress: Shaping a Green and Digital Future."

In his remarks, the Foreign Minister highlighted the longstanding friendship between Thailand and Singapore, which is ever more important for both countries’ progress and development. The CSEP is a unique platform which enables in-depth interactions between Thai and Singapore civil servants, which has been instrumental in advancing bilateral cooperation. As Thailand and Singapore celebrate the 60th anniversary of their diplomatic relations this year, it is important to prepare for future cooperation, especially issues high on our respective national agencas, including sustainable growth, digital economy, and combatting transnational crime.

Following the opening ceremony, Ms. Eksiri Pintaruchi, Permanent Secretary for Foreign Affairs, co-chaired the 15th Plenary CSEP meeting with Mr. Albert Chua, Permanent Secretary for Foreign Affairs of Singapore. Both sides promoted partnership under three key pillars:

(1) Partnership for Sustainability – Cooperation on carbon credit trading and environmental friendly projects, technology collaborations to promote Thailand’s BCG Economy Model and Singapore Green Plan 2030, an agreement on rice trade to promote Singapore’s food security, as well as energy cooperation.

(2) Partnership for Economic Growth and Social Development – Digital economy cooperation through MOU in the Field of Digital Economy between Thailand and Singapore, Thailand’s accession to Digital Economy Partnership Agreement, cruise tourism, combatting transnational crime, health cooperation, and cultural and media exchanges.

(3) Partnership for Human Empowerment and Public Service – Educational cooperation from elementary school to university level, cooperation among civil servants of both countries, legal and judicial cooperation, labour cooperation, and technical cooperation.

Read the Joint Summary Record for the 15th CSEP here.