Thailand and Australia expand partnership as Canberra backs OECD bid

Thailand and Australia have announced broader cooperation across economic development, regional security, science and technology, with Canberra pledging its full support for Thailand’s bid to join the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD).

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul held a joint press conference at Parliament House in Canberra at 10.50am local time on Wednesday (August 19), three hours ahead of Thailand.

The two leaders addressed the media after completing full-delegation bilateral talks. Albanese formally welcomed Anutin and described the visit as the first of its kind in 14 years, reflecting the importance both countries place on their close partnership ahead of the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations in 2027.

New cooperation against transnational crime

Albanese announced that the two governments had issued a new joint statement on transnational crime.

Under the agreement, the national police forces of Thailand and Australia will work more closely to dismantle drug-trafficking networks and online scam operations.

The two sides also agreed to strengthen security cooperation in the Indo-Pacific by holding a meeting of their defence ministers every two years.

Anutin said the strategic partnership provided a strong foundation for both countries to confront security challenges that increasingly crossed national borders.

Thailand was committed to using the new joint statement to take firm action against online scams, human trafficking and money laundering, he added.

Countries seek deeper economic cooperation

On the economic front, Thailand and Australia agreed to strengthen cooperation through a joint statement on deepening economic ties.

The agreement is intended to help both countries make fuller use of the Thailand-Australia Free Trade Agreement amid mounting challenges and uncertainty in the global economy.

Albanese thanked Anutin and the Thai government for helping Australia secure access to aviation fuel when supply chains were disrupted by the conflict in the Middle East.

He also reaffirmed Australia’s full support for Thailand’s efforts to become an OECD member.

Anutin said deeper economic cooperation would help both countries build resilience against geopolitical volatility and strengthen their ability to respond to changing global conditions.

Science agencies sign letter of intent

The two countries also signed a letter of intent between Thailand’s National Science and Technology Development Agency and Australia’s Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation.

The cooperation is intended to facilitate technology transfer and strengthen the scientific capabilities of both countries.

Anutin said the agreement would support closer collaboration in science and innovation, while helping the two countries translate their strategic partnership into practical outcomes.

Thai community and tourism links highlighted

The Thai prime minister also praised the contribution of the Thai community in Australia and highlighted the continuing popularity of Thailand among Australian tourists.

He confirmed that Thailand would maintain close cooperation with Australia through ASEAN mechanisms and the Mekong-Australia Partnership.

Anutin again thanked the Australian government for its strong support for Thailand’s OECD accession process.

The two prime ministers said the agreements would strengthen a partnership approaching its 75th anniversary while expanding cooperation in areas including trade, investment, law enforcement, regional security, science and technology.