Anutin leads 14 Thai firms on Australia-NZ trade mission
The six-day mission will combine high-level talks with business networking as Thailand seeks wider trade, investment and technology links
- Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul is leading a delegation of 14 major Thai companies on a trade mission to Australia and New Zealand from August 17-22.
- The primary goal of the mission is to expand cooperation in trade, investment, and technology with both nations.
- In Australia, the agenda includes meetings on security and technology, while the New Zealand visit aims to upgrade bilateral ties to a strategic partnership.
- The trip is diplomatically significant, marking the first official visit by a Thai Prime Minister to Australia in 14 years and to New Zealand in 13 years.
Prime Minister and Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul will lead executives from 14 major Thai companies on official visits to Australia and New Zealand from August 17 to 22, seeking to expand trade, investment and technology cooperation.
The private-sector delegation includes Thai Beverage, Gulf, Minor Group, B.Grimm Power, Mitr Phol Group, Banpu, PTT, Central Group, Charoen Pokphand Foods and SCG.
Business representatives will attend a networking event in Australia before joining a business breakfast and working lunch with the New Zealand private sector.
The activities are intended to develop tangible commercial opportunities between Thai companies and businesses in both countries.
Australia visit to cover security and technology
Anutin will visit Sydney and Canberra from August 17 to 20 at the invitation of Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.
It will be the first official visit to Australia by a Thai prime minister in 14 years.
The visit will build on the Thailand-Australia strategic partnership and prepare for the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries in 2027.
Anutin is scheduled to hold bilateral talks with Albanese, attend the signing of agreements and take part in a joint press conference.
He will also pay courtesy calls on Australian Governor-General Sam Mostyn and the governor of New South Wales, as well as meet the opposition leader.
The prime minister will deliver an address at the Lowy Institute, meet Canva executives and visit the company.
He will also visit the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation, or CSIRO.
The Australian discussions will cover political and security cooperation, defence, transnational crime, trade, investment, energy, digital development and innovation.
Anutin will also meet members of the Thai community in Sydney’s Thai Town and visit Wat Dhammadharo.
New Zealand ties set for strategic upgrade
The prime minister will continue to Auckland from August 20 to 22 for the first official visit to New Zealand by a Thai prime minister in 13 years.
The programme will mark the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations and include the signing of a joint declaration elevating bilateral ties to a strategic partnership.
Anutin will receive a traditional Māori welcome and hold bilateral talks with New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon.
He will also witness the signing of a memorandum of understanding.
Thailand plans to advance the Thailand-New Zealand Joint Plan of Action for 2026–2030, together with cooperation on trade, investment, crime and drug suppression, and tourism.
The Thai government will also seek the restoration of direct flights between Bangkok and Auckland.
Anutin is also scheduled to visit NZAero to observe its work involving light aircraft.
