"Anutin" summarises Australia-New Zealand visit, advances strategic partnerships, pushes trade, investment, technology — meets Thai community in Auckland on final day of mission before returning home, hints that Thai Airways is set to restore direct route
On 22 August 2026, in the city of Auckland, reporters covered the final day of Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Anutin Charnvirakul's official visit to New Zealand. At 08:50 local time — five hours ahead of Thailand — the Prime Minister met with more than 100 representatives of the Thai community in Harbour 1, on the second floor of the Park Hyatt Auckland hotel.
The atmosphere was warm throughout. The Prime Minister apologised to the Thai community for having to change the meeting venue from a Thai temple to the hotel where the delegation was staying, explaining that a visit to the temple was not part of the official schedule and that the New Zealand side had security requirements, making it necessary to adjust the plan at short notice. Breakfast was also provided for the Thai compatriots who had come to attend the gathering.
Anutin introduced the cabinet ministers and government representatives who had travelled with him, and stated that the coalition government is working together with stability. Although each party has a different political base, once in government all sides are united behind the same goal: the benefit of the country and its people.
The Prime Minister then summarised the outcomes of the visit to Australia and New Zealand, saying that this mission had helped deepen Thailand's relations with both countries across economics, trade, investment, culture, technology, and people-to-people cooperation. Frameworks were laid out and agreements signed to elevate the relationships to strategic partnerships, while existing free trade agreements will be leveraged to produce more tangible results.
On security matters, the Prime Minister said the situation along Thailand's borders with neighbouring countries remains calm, with no military clashes. Regarding the overlapping maritime claims with Cambodia, the government has adopted an approach of deferring negotiations for the time being in order to reduce the risk of conflict and to prioritise peaceful coexistence.
On the situation in Myanmar, Anutin reaffirmed that Thailand does not support the use of weapons or the use of border areas in ways that harm the country. At the same time, Thailand is working closely with ASEAN to address ongoing problems, including narcotics, call-centre scam gangs, and the management of natural gas energy resources to safeguard the national interest.
The Prime Minister spoke about the overall economic picture, saying that figures across several areas reflect confidence in Thailand. Investment promotion applications submitted through the Board of Investment have increased by nearly 100%, exports have expanded by approximately 20%, the baht is stable, the stock market is strong, and the country's credit rating remains in good standing.
In closing, the Prime Minister praised Thais living in New Zealand, saying that regardless of their profession — whether restaurant operators, chefs, or skilled workers — they all play the role of cultural ambassadors, helping to build Thailand's reputation and the confidence others place in it. He affirmed that the government is ready to listen to the problems faced by Thais abroad, and asked them to look forward to good news about Thai Airways preparing to reopen its direct Bangkok–Auckland route once again.
