The Prime Minister is scheduled to visit Australia and New Zealand from 17 to 22 August this year to elevate relations to a "strategic partnership," bringing along 14 major private companies to expand trade and investment opportunities.
On 16 August 2026, reporters at the Government House reported that Prime Minister and Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul plans an official visit to the Commonwealth of Australia and New Zealand from 17 to 22 August 2026. The trip aims to build on relations and expand economic and investment opportunities. The visit to Australia from 17 to 20 August marks the Prime Minister's first official visit in 14 years, at the invitation of the Australian Prime Minister. The goal is to advance the relationship as a strategic partner and prepare for the 75th anniversary of Thai–Australian diplomatic relations in 2027.
The Prime Minister will travel to Sydney and Canberra, with key events including bilateral talks with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, joint signing ceremonies and press conferences, paying respects to Sam Mostyn, Administrator of the Commonwealth of Australia, and the Administrator of New South Wales, as well as discussions with opposition party leaders.
Additionally, in Australia, the economic and technology agenda is significant. The Prime Minister will deliver a keynote speech at the Lowy Institute, meet with executives, visit the company Canva, and tour the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO). He will also meet the Thai community in Thai Town and visit Wat Dhammatharo. Key discussion topics will cover politics, security, defense, transnational crime suppression, trade, investment, energy, digital technology, and innovation.
Following that, from 20 to 22 August 2026, the Prime Minister will proceed to Auckland, New Zealand, marking the first official visit in 13 years to celebrate 70 years of diplomatic relations. A joint declaration will be signed to elevate Thai–New Zealand relations to a strategic partnership. The Prime Minister will receive a traditional Maori welcome and hold bilateral talks with New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon. He will witness the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to drive the 2026–2030 joint action plan between Thailand and New Zealand, covering trade, investment, transnational crime and drug suppression, and tourism promotion—especially efforts to reopen direct flights between Bangkok and Auckland. The itinerary also includes visiting NZAero to study small aircraft technology.
On this trip to both countries, the government is bringing 14 leading Thai private sector companies, including Thai Beverage, Gulf, Minor Group, B.Grimm Power, Mitr Phol Group, Banpu, PTT, Central Group, CPF, and SCG. They will participate in business networking activities in Australia and business breakfasts and working lunches with New Zealand's private sector to expand tangible business opportunities.