On August 14, 2026, Rachada Dhnadirek, spokesperson for the Prime Minister’s Office, revealed that Anutin Charnvirakul, Thailand’s Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, will undertake official visits to Australia from August 17–20, 2026, and New Zealand from August 20–22, 2026, following invitations from the respective prime ministers.
The objective of these visits is to enhance Thailand’s economic prospects through expanded market access for Thai products, increased investment and technology transfer, business sector collaboration, and strengthened cooperation in security and people-to-people exchanges.
The upcoming trip to Australia will be the first official visit by a Thai Prime Minister in 14 years, coinciding with the preparations for the 75th anniversary of diplomatic ties between Thailand and Australia in 2027. During his visit, Anutin will hold discussions with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to further the strategic partnership between the two countries, focusing on trade, investment, security, clean energy, science, technology, and innovation. The leaders are expected to advance the joint action plan for the Thai-Australian strategic partnership for 2026 – 2029.
One key component of the program is a business networking event jointly organized by the Board of Investment (BOI) and Austrade, where Thai private sector representatives will connect with counterparts in Australia to open new business avenues and explore partnerships and investments. The Thai government also aims to encourage more Australian investment, particularly in emerging industries and clean energy, to promote capital inflows, job creation, and technology transfer.
Additionally, the visit will foster greater collaboration in science and innovation through partnerships such as the National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA) in Thailand working with Australia’s Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO), aiming to translate research into commercial opportunities. The initiative is expected to help Thai startups and innovators tap into Australia’s innovation ecosystem and reach broader markets.
In New Zealand, Anutin’s visit will mark the first such official trip by a Thai Prime Minister in 13 years, aligning with the 70th anniversary of bilateral diplomatic relations. He will meet with Prime Minister Christopher Luxon to sign a joint declaration elevating Thai-New Zealand relations to an official strategic partnership, providing a foundation for continued collaboration.
Thailand plans to advocate for increased access to the New Zealand market for Thai agricultural, food, consumer products, and retail goods, along with promoting investment flows from New Zealand into Thailand. The Prime Minister will meet with interested businesses—including Skyline Enterprises in tourism and Fisher & Paykel in electrical appliances—while facilitating business matching between Thai and New Zealand companies to translate government ties into real business opportunities.
In terms of public safety, Thailand and New Zealand aim to strengthen efforts against transnational crime, which the Thai government considers a key concern for protecting citizens. There is also an intention to reinstate direct flights between Bangkok and Auckland, which would facilitate travel, boost tourism, support education exchanges, and improve connectivity between the two populations.
According to Rachada, the administration is committed to ensuring every foreign trip by the Prime Minister brings back concrete benefits—namely, expanded markets for Thai products, increased investment and innovation, and direct gains for the Thai public in terms of economic growth, safety, and ease of travel.
