Prime Minister to Visit the Commonwealth of Australia and New Zealand

Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul is scheduled to pay an official visit to the Commonwealth of Australia and New Zealand from 17 to 22 August 2026, at the invitations of the Australian Prime Minister and the New Zealand Prime Minister.

During his visit to the Commonwealth of Australia between 17 and 20 August, the Prime Minister will pay courtesy calls on the Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia and the Governor of New South Wales, and will meet the Prime Minister of Australia and his delegation. 

He will also engage with Thai and Australian business leaders, with a view to promoting greater trade and investment, strengthening economic connectivity, and identifying new opportunities for mutually beneficial cooperation under the Thailand - Australia Strategic Partnership. 

In addition, he is scheduled to sign the Joint Statements on Transnational Crime and on Deepening Economic Engagement, as well as visiting Thai town and meeting with members of the Thai community in Sydney.

During his visit to New Zealand on 20-22 August, Prime Minister Anutin will meet with the Prime Minister of New Zealand and engage with Thai and New Zealand business leaders to promote bilateral trade and investment and further strengthen economic cooperation. 

In addition, the two prime ministers will sign the Joint Declaration on the Strategic Partnership between the Kingdom of Thailand and New Zealand, formally elevating bilateral relations to a Strategic Partnership on the occasion of the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations this year. The two leaders will also witness the signing of cooperation documents aimed at strengthening economic and social security and enhancing the capacity of Thai personnel, particularly in the areas of education, culture, and police cooperation.

This visit marks the first prime-ministerial official visit to the Commonwealth of Australia since assuming office and the first by a Thai prime minister in 14 years. During the visit, the Foreign Ministers of Thailand and Australia are scheduled to sign Phase II of the Joint Plan of Action (2026-2029), which will serve as a strategic roadmap for further deepening and expanding tangible cooperation between the two countries, particularly as Thailand and Australia prepare to celebrate the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations in 2027. 

This will also be the Prime Minister’s first official visit to New Zealand since assuming office and the first visit by a Thai prime minister in 13 years, marking the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Thailand and New Zealand in 2026 and reflecting the close relations between the two countries.

Source: PR Thai Government