The Deputy Government Spokesperson revealed that the Cabinet approved advancing the signing of a climate change cooperation framework between Thailand and New Zealand to support greenhouse gas reduction, develop the carbon market, and move towards a low-carbon economy.
On 7 July 2026, Ms. Lalida Pertwiwatthana, Deputy Spokesperson of the Prime Minister's Office, announced that the Cabinet approved a memorandum of understanding between the Government of the Kingdom of Thailand and the Government of New Zealand on climate change. This aims to elevate cooperation between the two countries in addressing climate change, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and supporting the transition to a low-carbon economy. The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment was assigned as the lead agency to drive this cooperation.
The Deputy Spokesperson added that this cooperation builds upon a joint statement between the Prime Ministers of Thailand and New Zealand in April 2024, where both countries agreed to promote renewable energy cooperation and climate change response. This memorandum aims to jointly reduce climate change impacts, prepare for future effects, support the transition to a Net Zero greenhouse gas economy, and enhance capacity to achieve Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs).
Ms. Lalida stated that the cooperation scope includes exchanging knowledge, technical information, and capacity building in various areas such as climate adaptation, greenhouse gas reduction, carbon market development and operations, and fostering collaboration among government agencies, businesses, researchers, and related sectors through activities like policy dialogues, workshops, seminars, study visits, and expert exchanges.
The memorandum is effective for three years and may be extended with mutual agreement. It serves as a cooperation framework that does not create international legal obligations or treaty status. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Office of the Council of State have reviewed and concluded that the memorandum is not considered a treaty under the constitution.
“The government prioritizes addressing climate change alongside sustainable economic development. This cooperation with New Zealand will enhance Thailand’s capacity in technology development, carbon market management, greenhouse gas reduction, and strengthening capabilities across all sectors, benefiting the country's progress towards Net Zero and long-term sustainable development,” she said.