Thai PM Anuthins Touts Stability to Australian Business Leaders

Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul met with Australian business leaders at the Crown Towers hotel in Sydney on August 18, 2025, following an informal discussion at the Thailand–Australia Investment and Business Partnership Reception hosted by the Board of Investment. He stated that major Australian companies are continuously seeking to establish and expand manufacturing operations in Thailand, driven by the country's political stability, security, and robust logistics infrastructure. Anutin emphasized that foreign business investors have strong confidence in Thailand's stability and potential, ranking it as their top investment destination. He credited the Board of Investment's Thailand Fast Pass policy—which serves as a centralized problem-solving hub for investors—as a major factor in attracting foreign capital, with first-half investment reaching 60,000 million Australian dollars, or approximately 1.4 quadrillion baht.

When asked about discussing matters with Australia's Prime Minister in Canberra on August 9, Anutin revealed that the Australian embassy has indicated strong demand for jet fuel, while Thailand has a surplus supply due to high diesel production volumes. He confirmed the Thai government is prepared to consider deregulating aircraft fuel exports if Australia expresses interest, which would also boost Thailand's export revenue. Regarding labor, Anutin confirmed plans to negotiate expanding work visa programs for Thai workers, particularly chefs. After visiting Thai Town and observing growing Thai restaurants facing chef shortages, he noted the government will work to resolve obstacles and assure Australia that Thai workers now come through legal channels rather than illegal means, bringing genuine skills and expertise.