Government spokesperson announces PM "Anutin" to visit Australia–New Zealand 17–22 Aug. to open markets, attract investment, elevate strategic partnerships, and create opportunities for Thailand.
Today (14 Aug.), Ms. Rachada Thanadirek, Spokesperson for the Office of the Prime Minister, revealed that Mr. Anutin Charnvirakul, Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, is scheduled to pay an official visit to the Commonwealth of Australia from 17–20 August 2026, and an official visit to New Zealand from 20–22 August 2026, at the invitation of the prime ministers of both countries. The government intends to use this visit to open economic opportunities for Thailand, encompassing the expansion of markets for Thai goods, the attraction of investment and technology into the country, business linkages, as well as enhanced cooperation on security and people-to-people connectivity.
In the case of Australia, this marks 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 in practical terms, covering trade, investment, security, clean energy, science, technology, and innovation, as well as to drive forward the Joint Plan of Action on the Thai–Australian Strategic Partnership 2026–2029.
On the economic front, the government wants this visit to translate into real business opportunities. The Prime Minister will therefore bring Thai private-sector representatives along and will meet with Thai–Australian business communities at a Business Networking event co-organised by the Thailand Board of Investment (BOI) and Austrade, to open channels for Thai entrepreneurs to build networks, find trading partners, and expand investment. The visit will also push for Australia to increase its investment in Thailand, particularly in future industries and clean energy, which will help bring more capital, employment, and technology transfer into the country.
Another key benefit is the transfer of knowledge and technology to develop 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, so that research outcomes can be commercialised. This will also open opportunities for Thai startups and innovators to learn from Australia's innovation ecosystem and connect to international markets.
Regarding New Zealand, this is 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 hold talks with The Right Honourable Christopher Luxon, Prime Minister of New Zealand, and to sign a joint declaration formally elevating Thai–New Zealand relations to a Strategic Partnership, which will serve as an important framework for expanding bilateral cooperation over the long term.
On the economic dimension, Thailand will push to increase Thai goods' access to the New Zealand market, including agricultural products, food, consumer goods, and retail businesses. At the same time, it will attract New Zealand investment into Thailand, with the Prime Minister scheduled to hold direct discussions with companies interested in investing in Thailand, such as Skyline Enterprises in the tourism sector and Fisher & Paykel in the home appliance industry. Space will also be provided for Thai private-sector members of the delegation to network and match businesses with New Zealand entrepreneurs, in order to turn government-level relations into purchase orders, investment, and business opportunities for the private sector.
On public safety, Thailand and New Zealand will strengthen cooperation in the prevention and suppression of transnational crime, an issue the government prioritises given that such problems directly affect the lives and property of the people.
The government is also committed to ensuring that the public benefits from more convenient travel and tourism by pushing for the resumption of direct flights between Bangkok and Auckland, which, if realised, would reduce travel time and difficulty, and support tourism, education, business contacts, and people-to-people connectivity between the two countries.
"The government wants every overseas trip by the Prime Minister to bring opportunities back to Thailand. This visit is therefore not merely about leader-level talks — it has clear objectives: Thai goods must have more markets, Thai entrepreneurs must have new trading partners and opportunities, Thailand must attract more investment, technology, and knowledge, while the people must benefit from a growing economy, greater safety, and improved connectivity. Bringing the private sector along as part of the delegation is precisely so that these opportunities can actually be built into real business and investment. The government is committed to transforming good bilateral relations into tangible benefits that come back to Thailand and its people," Ms. Rachada said.
