Prime Minister Anutin will visit Australia and New Zealand from 17–22 August, aiming to open markets, attract investment, elevate strategic partnerships, and create opportunities for Thailand.
On 14 August 2026, Ms. Ratchada Thanadirek, spokesperson for the Office of the Prime Minister, stated that Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Anutin Charnvirakul is scheduled to make official visits to the Commonwealth of Australia from 17–20 August 2026 and to New Zealand from 20–22 August 2026, at the invitation of the respective prime ministers. The government intends to use these visits to create economic opportunities for Thailand, including expanding markets for Thai products, attracting investment and technology into the country, connecting the business sectors, and enhancing cooperation on security and travel between peoples.
Regarding Australia, this will be the first official visit by a Thai prime minister in 14 years, ahead of the 75th anniversary of Thai–Australian diplomatic relations in 2027. The prime minister will hold talks with The Honourable Anthony Albanese, Prime Minister of Australia, to advance the strategic partnership into practical outcomes covering trade, investment, security, clean energy, science, technology, and innovation. They will also drive the implementation of the Thailand–Australia Strategic Partnership Action Plan 2026–2029.
On the economic front, the government aims for this visit to result in real business opportunities. Therefore, the prime minister will bring Thai private sector representatives and meet with Thai–Australian business leaders at a Business Networking event organized by the Board of Investment (BOI) in cooperation with Austrade. This will provide Thai entrepreneurs with opportunities to build networks, find partners, and expand investments. The government will also encourage Australia to increase investment in Thailand, especially in future industries and clean energy, which will boost investment capital, employment, and technology transfer into the country.
Another key benefit is leveraging knowledge and technology to advance Thailand’s economy. Thailand will expand cooperation in science, technology, and innovation, particularly between the National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA) and Australia’s CSIRO. The goal is to commercialize research outcomes and provide Thai startups and innovators opportunities to learn from Australia’s innovation ecosystem and connect to international markets.
As for New Zealand, this will be the first official visit by a Thai prime minister in 13 years and coincides with the 70th anniversary of Thai–New Zealand diplomatic relations. The prime minister is scheduled to meet The Right Honourable Christopher Luxon, Prime Minister of New Zealand, and sign a joint declaration to formally elevate bilateral relations to a strategic partnership. This will serve as a key framework for expanding long-term cooperation.
Economically, Thailand will promote greater access for Thai products to the New Zealand market, including agricultural products, food, consumer goods, and retail businesses. Simultaneously, Thailand aims to attract investment from New Zealand, with the prime minister scheduled to meet directly with companies interested in investing in Thailand, such as Skyline Enterprises in tourism and Fisher & Paykel in home appliances. The government will also provide opportunities for Thai private sector representatives traveling with the delegation to network and establish business matches with New Zealand entrepreneurs, turning government-level relations into real orders, investments, and business opportunities for the private sector.
On security, Thailand and New Zealand will enhance cooperation to prevent and combat transnational crime, an issue the government prioritizes due to its direct impact on the lives and property of citizens.
The government also aims for citizens to benefit from more convenient travel and tourism by promoting the resumption of direct flights between Bangkok and Auckland. If realized, this will reduce travel time and difficulties, supporting tourism, education, business contacts, and people-to-people travel between the two countries.
“The government wants every international trip by the prime minister to create opportunities for Thailand. This visit is not only about high-level discussions but has clear goals: expanding markets for Thai products, providing Thai entrepreneurs with new partners and opportunities, attracting investment, technology, and knowledge into Thailand, and benefiting citizens through economic growth, safety, and improved connectivity. Bringing the private sector along aims to turn these opportunities into real business and investment. The government is determined to convert good international relations into tangible benefits for Thailand and its people,” the spokesperson said. Ms. Ratchada added.