BANGKOK, Thailand – Government spokesperson Rachada Dhnadirek said Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul will make official visits to Australia and New Zealand from August 17–22, with the government aiming to expand markets for Thai products, attract investment and technology, strengthen strategic partnerships and improve people-to-people links.
Anutin will visit Australia from August 17–20, marking the first official visit by a Thai prime minister in 14 years, before travelling to New Zealand from August 20–22, also the first such visit in 13 years.
In Australia, Anutin is scheduled to meet Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to advance the Thailand-Australia Strategic Partnership, with discussions covering trade, investment, security, clean energy, science, technology and innovation. The government is also bringing Thai private-sector representatives to business networking activities organised by the Board of Investment (BOI) and Austrade, with the aim of creating new business partnerships and attracting Australian investment into Thailand, particularly in future industries and clean energy.
Thailand will also seek to deepen cooperation between the National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA) and Australia’s CSIRO, helping turn research and innovation into commercial opportunities while connecting Thai startups with international markets.
In New Zealand, Anutin is scheduled to meet Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and sign a joint declaration formally elevating Thailand-New Zealand relations to a Strategic Partnership.
Thailand will seek greater access for Thai agricultural products, food, consumer goods and retail businesses in the New Zealand market, while encouraging New Zealand investment in Thailand. The prime minister is also expected to meet companies interested in investing in Thailand, including Skyline Enterprises and Fisher & Paykel.
The two countries will also strengthen cooperation against transnational crime, while Thailand will push for the resumption of direct flights between Bangkok and Auckland to facilitate tourism, education, business and people-to-people travel. Rachada said the visits are intended to turn strong bilateral relations into tangible economic opportunities, including new markets, business partnerships, investment, technology and knowledge for Thailand.
