PM Wong congratulates Paetongtarn Shinawatra on her appointment as Thai prime minister

SINGAPORE: Singapore Prime Minister Lawrence Wong has written to his Thai counterpart Paetongtarn Shinawatra to congratulate her on her appointment.

Ms Paetongtarn, 37, is Thailand's youngest prime minister. She was royally endorsed by the king on Aug 18, two days after she was elected by lawmakers in parliament.

In a letter to Ms Paetongtarn dated Aug 18, Mr Wong noted that Singapore and Thailand mark 60 years of diplomatic relations next year.

He invited Ms Paetongtarn and her husband to visit Singapore "at the earliest opportunity".

"I also hope to make my introductory visit to Thailand at the soonest," wrote Mr Wong, who was sworn in as prime minister on May 15.

Mr Wong said he is confident that relations between Singapore and Thailand will continue to strengthen in the years ahead.

"Singapore and Thailand share longstanding and multi-faceted relations, underpinned by robust economic ties, strong defence cooperation, and regular political and people-to-people exchanges," he wrote.

"This strong partnership was built by successive generations of leaders and has grown in scope over the years." 

Both countries continue to explore new areas of collaboration, including clean energy, sustainability and the digital economy. 

"As like-minded partners and neighbours, Singapore and Thailand also work together closely at multilateral fora, including in ASEAN," Mr Wong added.

Congratulating Ms Paetongtarn, Mr Wong said he is certain that Thailand will continue to progress and prosper under her leadership.

"I wish you every success as you begin your new term," he said.

Ms Paetongtarn, the daughter of former prime minister Thaksin, is the third member of the influential but divisive Shinawatra family to take the nation's top job.

Lawmakers voted her to the position after Srettha Thavisin was removed as prime minister by the Constitutional Court for appointing a Cabinet minister with a criminal conviction.