The Prime Minister discussed with the outgoing Australian Ambassador, praising Thailand's role in combating transnational crime and drugs, supporting good governance, and advancing a comprehensive strategic partnership that covers multiple areas.
On 29 May 2026 at 16:30, in the Prime Minister's office on the 2nd floor of the Thai Koo Fah Building, Government House, Ms. Angela Macdonald, the Australian Ambassador to Thailand, paid a farewell visit to Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Anutin Charnvirakul before leaving her post.
Ms. Ratchada Thanadirek, the government spokesperson, revealed that the two sides held a friendly discussion. The Prime Minister expressed gratitude to the Australian Ambassador for her significant role in promoting Thai-Australian relations over the past four years, and praised the tangible cooperation in various fields including the economy, education, security, and social development.
Regarding security, the Australian Ambassador praised the close and continuous security cooperation between Thailand and Australia, especially joint military exercises. Both sides agreed to expand cooperation in new training formats to align with future security missions.
Additionally, the Australian Ambassador commended Thailand's achievements in combating transnational crime, online scam gangs, and drug trafficking. The Prime Minister reaffirmed the government's strong commitment to addressing these issues seriously. Thailand has effectively assisted victims of transnational crime in neighboring countries and facilitated their repatriation to their home countries on an ongoing basis.
On the matter of joining the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), the Australian side congratulated Thailand on its commitment and progress in domestic legal reforms, anti-corruption efforts, and promotion of good governance. These efforts contribute significantly to creating an investment-friendly environment, raising national administrative standards, and boosting foreign investor confidence, benefiting Australian investors in Thailand as well.
Furthermore, both parties agreed to promote cooperation in the energy sector, particularly the energy transition, to strengthen energy security and support sustainable economic development for both countries in the future.
The Prime Minister emphasized that the Thai government is ready to work closely with Australia in all dimensions.
Meanwhile, the Australian side reaffirmed its readiness to continue supporting cooperation with Thailand to reinforce the close partnership and generate mutual benefits for the people of both countries.
At the conclusion, the Prime Minister wished Ms. Angela Macdonald success in her new role and expressed confidence that the strong friendship and cooperation between Thailand and Australia will continue to develop and advance for the mutual benefit of their peoples.
