Prime Minister Anutin welcomed the New Zealand ambassador ahead of the visit scheduled for 20–22 August, opening opportunities in trade, investment, education, and tourism, and aiming to elevate ties to a strategic partnership.
At 14:30 on 13 August 2026, at the reception room on the 2nd floor of the Thai Khu Fah Building, Government House, Ms. Ratchada Thanadirek, spokesperson for the Prime Minister's Office, announced that H.E. Ms. Raylene Siale Tagaloa Liufalani, New Zealand’s Ambassador to Thailand, paid a courtesy call on Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Anutin Charnvirakul upon taking office. Both sides discussed advancing Thailand–New Zealand relations to yield tangible benefits for their people in trade, investment, technology, education, and tourism.
The Prime Minister welcomed and congratulated the ambassador, the first female New Zealand Ambassador to Thailand, noting that this year marks the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Thailand and New Zealand. He said it is an important occasion to elevate cooperation to the next level and produce concrete outcomes.
The New Zealand Ambassador expressed condolences over the passing of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit, the Queen Mother, and the death of Her Royal Highness Princess Bajrakitiyabha Narendiradebyavati, Princess Rajasarinisiri Patcharawachara, as well as regarding the recent school shooting incident in Nonthaburi province.
Additionally, the ambassador said New Zealand’s Prime Minister looks forward to warmly welcoming the Thai Prime Minister and delegation during the official visit from 20 to 22 August. She expressed confidence that this visit will strengthen cooperation, especially in international trade, with a goal to triple trade value by 2045 and to further utilize the Thailand–New Zealand Economic Partnership Agreement (TNZCEP).
Regarding the increased trade targets, the Prime Minister stated that he is bringing a delegation of more than 10 senior Thai private sector representatives on this trip. They will hold discussions with New Zealand’s ministers of trade and investment to explore new business, investment, and cooperation opportunities between the private sectors of both countries.
“The official visit to New Zealand from 20–22 August by the Prime Minister is the first Thai prime ministerial visit in 13 years. It will include the announcement of elevating the bilateral relationship to a Strategic Partnership, opening new opportunities for cooperation in economics, trade, investment, technology, education, and tourism, which will bring tangible benefits and opportunities to the Thai people,” Ms. Ratchada said.
