Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul begins a four-day Australian visit focused on strategic ties, trade, digital innovation and clean energy
Thai Prime Minister Anutin is on a four-day official visit to Australia to advance the strategic partnership between the two nations.
The talks will focus on strengthening cooperation in key areas including trade, clean energy, technology, and security.
The agenda includes meetings with business leaders and technology executives to promote new trade, investment, and digital-economy opportunities.
Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul arrived in Sydney on Monday night to begin a four-day official visit aimed at advancing Thailand’s strategic partnership with Australia through economic, security, clean-energy and technology cooperation.
Anutin landed in the New South Wales capital at 10pm local time on Monday (August 17, 2026).
Sydney is three hours ahead of Thailand.
The visit, which runs until Thursday (August 20), is being made at the invitation of Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.
Government spokeswoman Rachada Dhnadirek said the visit was intended to turn the Thailand–Australia strategic partnership into tangible cooperation while strengthening bilateral relations across several areas.
Australian officials welcome Anutin to Sydney
Anutin was welcomed on arrival by New South Wales Attorney General Michael Daley, representing the Governor of New South Wales.
Laura Thomson, a senior protocol official representing Australia’s Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet, and Karina Cameron, deputy head of New South Wales Protocol, also attended the welcome.
An official welcoming ceremony is scheduled to take place at Government House on Wednesday (August 19).
Sydney programme focuses on diplomacy and technology
Anutin’s programme in Sydney on Tuesday (August 18) begins with a courtesy call on the Governor of New South Wales at Government House.
He will then deliver an address at the Lowy Institute, an Australian international-policy think tank.
His speech will outline Thailand’s vision for its relationship with Australia and approaches to strengthening cooperation across the Indo-Pacific.
The prime minister will later meet members of the Thai community and visit Sydney’s Thai Town to hear their views and speak with Thai residents in Australia.
Anutin is also scheduled to meet executives of Canva Pty Ltd and tour the Australian technology company’s office.
The meeting will focus on digital technology, innovation and opportunities to expand digital-economy cooperation between Thailand and Australia.
Thailand and Australia have extended their Strategic Economic Cooperation Arrangement through November 2028, covering areas including digital trade, investment and the transition to a green economy.
In the afternoon, Anutin will attend a networking reception at Crown Sydney bringing together representatives of Thai and Australian businesses.
The event is intended to strengthen private-sector connections and create new trade and investment opportunities between the two countries.
He will later attend a dinner with Thai business representatives before travelling to Canberra, where he is scheduled to arrive at Fairbairn Airport at 9.30pm.
Rachada said the visit offered an opportunity to advance bilateral relations through practical cooperation in the economy, security, clean energy, technology and innovation.
“The visit is also intended to create benefits and new opportunities for businesses and people in both countries,” she said.
