Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul to Visit Australia and New Zealand to Boost Trade and Strategic Ties

Brickinfo News Agency – Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul is scheduled to make official visits to the Commonwealth of Australia from August 17 to 20, 2026, and New Zealand from August 20 to 22, 2026, aiming to expand trade, attract foreign direct investment, and upgrade strategic partnerships, Government Spokesperson Rachada Dhnadirek announced.

The mission to Australia marks the first official visit by a Thai prime minister in 14 years, ahead of the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries in 2027. Prime Minister Anutin will hold bilateral talks with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to implement the Thailand-Australia Strategic Partnership Joint Plan of Action (2026–2029), covering trade, investment, security, clean energy, science, technology, and innovation.

On the economic front, a Thai business delegation will participate in a business networking session co-organized by the Board of Investment (BOI) and the Australian Trade and Investment Commission (Austrade). The discussions will center on attracting Australian investments in future industries and clean energy, alongside fostering technological and research collaboration between the National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA) and Australia’s Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO).

The official visit to New Zealand represents the first by a Thai prime minister in 13 years and coincides with the 70th anniversary of bilateral diplomatic ties. Prime Minister Anutin will meet with New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon to sign a joint declaration upgrading bilateral relations to a strategic partnership, while promoting Thai agricultural, food, and consumer goods in the New Zealand market.

During the New Zealand leg, the Thai prime minister will engage in direct talks with potential investors, including Skyline Enterprises and Fisher & Paykel, while Thai business representatives participate in business matching sessions. Bilateral discussions will also address joint efforts to counter transnational crime and the potential resumption of direct flights between Bangkok and Auckland to support tourism, education, and commerce.