Thai PM Outlines Thailand's Vision for Regional Cooperation at Sydney's Lowy Institute

As part of his official visit to Australia and New Zealand, Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul delivered a keynote address at the Lowy Institute in Sydney, Australia, titled "Beyond the Thailand-Australia Bilateral Partnership: Advancing International Order through Regional and Minilateral Cooperation."

He emphasized that amid global uncertainty, Thailand and Australia — as middle powers — share a vital interest in upholding an open, stable, rules-based international order. To navigate this shifting landscape, he outlined three key approaches:

1️⃣ Regionalism — Strengthening regional institutions where global consensus falls short. ASEAN remains Thailand's strategic anchor, with continued support for the Five-Point Consensus and calibrated re-engagement on Myanmar, alongside peaceful bilateral dialogue with Cambodia.

2️⃣ Strategic Autonomy — Expanding partnerships through minilateral cooperation on urgent shared challenges, such as the joint statement with PM Anthony Albanese on combating transnational and online crime. This approach gives nations greater flexibility, without being forced to pick sides.

3️⃣ Resilience — Deepening integration through complementary strengths, from critical minerals, clean energy, and advanced manufacturing to AI and digital trade. Thailand also welcomed Australia's continued support for its OECD accession.

The premier concluded that while Thailand and Australia may not single-handedly shape global power balances, together they can influence how power is exercised in the region — building an open, resilient, and inclusive Indo-Pacific for lasting peace and prosperity.

Also, during his visit, the Prime Minister paid a courtesy call on NSW Governor Margaret Beazley at Government House, visited Sydney's Thai Town to meet local entrepreneurs, and met with Canva executives to explore ways to boost Thailand's creative economy.

Thailand and Australia stand as trusted partners, working together to build an open, secure, and thriving region.

Source: PR Thai Government