Thai PM Meets NSW Governor, Strengthens Thailand-Australia Ties

Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and Interior Minister visited Margaret Beazley, Governor of New South Wales, at the Drawing Room of the NSW Government House on August 18, 2026, at 9:30 a.m. Sydney time. Both sides exchanged perspectives on Thailand-Australia relations and discussed ways to expand cooperation in mutually beneficial sectors.

The Prime Minister noted that this is the first official visit by a Thai prime minister to Australia in 14 years, and praised Australia as a strategic partner playing a constructive role in the region. Thailand and Australia have maintained close ties for many years and will soon mark the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations.

The PM also commended the NSW Governor for her continued engagement with and support for the Thai community in New South Wales, and congratulated her on the extension of her term until May 2027. He highlighted New South Wales as a multicultural society that enables communities from around the world, including Thais, to preserve their identity and cultural heritage while participating in society.

Approximately 30,000 Thai nationals currently reside in New South Wales, with about 10,000 Thai students studying at leading universities in the state. This presents significant opportunities to promote research cooperation, student exchanges, and workforce development in future sectors.

The Prime Minister expressed satisfaction with the growth of tourism between Thailand and Australia, with approximately 800,000 Australian tourists visiting Thailand in 2025, reflecting strong and dynamic people-to-people links between the two countries. He thanked the NSW Government for its continuous support of the Thai community and Thai cultural activities, including the Sydney Lunar Festival and the Thailand Grand Festival organized by the Thai Consulate-General in Sydney in September.