Thailand, New Zealand aim to triple trade, revive direct flights

Thailand and New Zealand have set a target of tripling bilateral trade to US$7.5 billion by 2045 after formally elevating their relationship to a strategic partnership, while Thai Airways is preparing to resume direct Bangkok–Auckland services in March 2027.

Prime Minister and Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon signed the Joint Declaration on the Strategic Partnership between the Kingdom of Thailand and New Zealand following bilateral talks at Government House in Wellington on Friday (August 21).

Government spokeswoman Rachada Dhanadirek reported that the signing took place at noon local time as part of Anutin's official visit to New Zealand, which coincides with the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries.

The two prime ministers also witnessed the signing of four cooperation documents: 

• An Agreement on Cultural Cooperation between the Government of the Kingdom of Thailand and the Government of New Zealand;
   
• A Memorandum of Understanding on Cooperation between the Office of the Civil Service Commission of the Kingdom of Thailand and Education New Zealand;
   
• A Memorandum of Agreement between the Royal Thai Police and New Zealand Police on Partnership and Mutual Information Exchange; and
   
• A private-sector agreement, namely a Memorandum of Understanding between Chata Instruments Company Limited and Aeroqual Limited.

Strategic partnership opens a new chapter

At a joint press conference after the talks, Anutin described the visit as the beginning of a new chapter in the two countries' long-standing friendship, with the joint declaration formally taking bilateral relations to a higher level.

Senior ministers from both countries participated in the discussions, which centred on four areas of cooperation under the Thailand–New Zealand Joint Plan of Action 2026–2030. The framework is intended to translate the strategic partnership into concrete benefits for people in both countries.

The first pillar covers political and security cooperation. Thailand and New Zealand agreed to strengthen their response to transnational crime, online scams and human trafficking, while encouraging closer coordination and information-sharing between their law-enforcement agencies.

The second pillar focuses on the economy, trade and innovation, with both sides seeking to expand trade and investment while giving greater attention to innovation, food and energy security, the green economy, sustainable agriculture and environmental conservation.

They set a goal of tripling bilateral trade to US$7.5 billion, or about 246 billion baht, by 2045. The two countries will also work to further develop the Thailand–New Zealand Closer Economic Partnership (TNZCEP) to create additional opportunities for businesses and people in both countries.

Education, culture and people-to-people connections form the third pillar. The two governments plan to expand cooperation in education, skills development, innovation and capacity-building while promoting closer cultural and people-to-people links.

The fourth pillar covers regional and multilateral cooperation. Thailand and New Zealand intend to work more closely through Mekong cooperation frameworks, ASEAN-led mechanisms, APEC and other international forums.

Both sides also exchanged views on regional and international developments and reaffirmed the importance of a rules-based international order and the multilateral system in supporting peace, stability, resilience and sustainable development.

Direct Bangkok–Auckland flights planned for 2027

Anutin highlighted stronger people-to-people connectivity as an important part of the relationship as the countries mark seven decades of diplomatic ties.

Thai Airways plans to restore direct services between Bangkok and Auckland, with March 2027 set as the target for their resumption. Anutin indicated that he would seek to have the service restarted earlier if possible.

The direct route is expected to support tourism, trade, investment, education and people-to-people exchanges between Thailand and New Zealand.

Anutin also sought New Zealand's backing for Thailand's bid to join the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), and Luxon expressed full support.

Looking beyond the anniversary, Anutin expressed confidence that the new strategic partnership would make relations between Thailand and New Zealand closer, deeper and more dynamic, while contributing to sustainable prosperity for both countries and the wider region.