The Prime Minister (PM) of the Kingdom of Thailand, H.E. Mr. Anutin Charnvirakul, met H.E. Mr. Anthony Albanese, PM of Australia, during his official visit to the Commonwealth of Australia in Canberra from 17–20 August 2026. The meeting focused on strengthening the Thailand–Australia Strategic Partnership, with cooperation spanning trade, investment, security, clean energy, science, technology and innovation. The visit was particularly significant as it was the first official visit by a Thai PM to Australia in 14 years.
A major focus of the discussions was economic engagement. Both PMs reaffirmed their commitment to deepening economic ties, improving bilateral trade and investment opportunities, strengthening economic connectivity and identifying new areas of cooperation. PM Anutin also engaged with Australian and Thai business leaders to promote investment and expand opportunities for the private sector.
The two sides also advanced their broader strategic cooperation. Australia and Thailand agreed to stronger collaboration in law enforcement, defence and innovation, and signed joint statements on deepening economic engagement and combating transnational crime as well as expanding their roles and cooperation within ASEAN and the Mekong subregion, in support of security in the Indo-Pacific region. The countries are further implementing Phase II of their Joint Plan of Action for 2026–2029, which provides a roadmap for expanding practical cooperation under the Strategic Partnership.
The visit also has longer-term diplomatic significance. Thailand and Australia are preparing to commemorate the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations in 2027, reflecting the longstanding relationship between the two countries. Australia describes Thailand as its fourth-largest trading partner in Southeast Asia and 11th-largest trading partner overall, highlighting the importance of the economic relationship.
PM Anutin also visited New Zealand, where he met the PM of New Zealand, H.E. Mr. Christopher Luxon, in Auckland on 21 August, marking the first official visit by a Thai PM to New Zealand in 13 years. The two sides marked the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations and formally elevated bilateral ties to a Strategic Partnership. The draft Joint Action Plan 2026–2030 provides a framework for cooperation across political and security affairs, economic and trade relations, culture and people-to-people connectivity, and regional and multilateral cooperation.
The two countries also agreed to strengthen cooperation against transnational crime, expand trade under the Thailand–New Zealand Closer Economic Partnership, work towards tripling bilateral trade by 2045, resume direct Bangkok–Auckland flights, and enhance cooperation in education and the Mekong subregion. Four key outcome documents were signed, including the Joint Declaration on the Strategic Partnership and agreements covering culture, civil-service cooperation and police information exchange.
