Thai PM to Visit Australia and New Zealand
PM Anutin will visit Australia and New Zealand from August 17-22 to strengthen diplomatic ties and expand business opportunities, marking his first official trips to both countries in over a decade. The delegation includes 14 major Thai com
Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul will make an official visit to Australia and New Zealand from August 17-22, 2025, to strengthen ties and expand economic and investment opportunities. The Australian leg (August 17-20) marks the Prime Minister's first official visit in 14 years, made at the invitation of Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese. The trip aims to establish a strategic partnership between Thailand and Australia and prepare for celebrations of 75 years of diplomatic relations in 2026. During his time in Australia, the PM will travel to Sydney and Canberra, holding bilateral discussions with Prime Minister Albanese and meeting with Governor-General Sam Mostyn. He will also deliver a keynote address at the Lowy Institute, visit tech company Canva, and tour the CSIRO research organization, while also meeting Thai communities in Thai Town and visiting Dhammatharo Temple.
From August 20-22, the PM will travel to Auckland, New Zealand, for his first official visit in 13 years to mark 70 years of diplomatic relations. Thailand and New Zealand will sign a joint declaration upgrading their relationship to a strategic partnership. The PM will receive an official Maori welcome and hold bilateral talks with New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, signing memorandums of understanding. The Thai delegation will push forward joint action plans for 2026-2030 covering trade, investment, crime and drug suppression, and tourism promotion, including efforts to restore direct flights between Bangkok and Auckland. The delegation will also visit NZAero to view small aircraft operations.
The government is bringing 14 major Thai private-sector companies on the trip, including Thai Beverage, Gulf Energy, Minor Group, B.Grimm Power, Mitrphol Group, Baan Phu, PTT, Central Group, CP Foods, and SCG. These businesses will participate in networking activities and business breakfast and working lunch sessions with New Zealand counterparts to pursue concrete business opportunities.
