On August 13, 2026, at 14.30 hrs, at the reception room on the 2nd floor of the Thai Ku Fah Building at Government House, Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Anutin Charnvirakul received H.E. Ms. Raylene Siale Tagaloa Liufalani, Ambassador of New Zealand to Thailand, who paid a courtesy call upon assuming her duties, according to a statement by Prime Minister’s Office Spokesperson Rachada Dhnadirek.
Bilateral Talks on Trade, Education, and Tourism at Government House
During the meeting, both sides discussed advancing Thailand-New Zealand relations to deliver concrete benefits to citizens across trade, investment, technology, education, and tourism sectors. Prime Minister Anutin welcomed the ambassador, noting her role as the first female Ambassador of New Zealand to Thailand. He emphasized that the current year marks the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Thailand and New Zealand, serving as a critical opportunity to elevate cooperation and achieve tangible outcomes.
In response, Ambassador Liufalani conveyed condolences regarding the passing of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit The Queen Mother, the passing of Her Royal Highness Princess Bajrakitiyabha Narendiradebyavati Krom Luang Ratchasini Sirisパchra Maha Vadcharanaradhani, and the school shooting incident in Nonthaburi Province. The ambassador also affirmed that New Zealand’s Prime Minister is prepared to welcome Prime Minister Anutin and his delegation for an official visit from August 20 to 22 with full honors.
Strategic Partnership and Trade Expansion Goals for August Visit
The upcoming official visit by Prime Minister Anutin to New Zealand from August 20 to 22 marks the first visit at the prime ministerial level from Thailand in 13 years. Spokesperson Rachada Dhnadirek stated that the two nations will prepare to declare an elevation of their relationship to a Strategic Partnership, unlocking new avenues for economic, trade, investment, technological, educational, and tourism collaboration.
Ambassador Liufalani expressed confidence that the visit will yield closer cooperation, particularly in international trade, which targets a threefold increase in trade value by 2050 (2588 BE). Both nations intend to drive greater utilization of the Thailand-New Zealand Closer Economic Partnership (TNZCEP). To support these trade targets, Prime Minister Anutin confirmed that more than 10 high-level Thai private sector representatives will accompany the delegation to engage with New Zealand’s Minister for Trade and Investment to explore new business and investment opportunities.
Did You Know? Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul’s upcoming official visit to New Zealand from August 20 to 22 marks the first visit at the prime ministerial level from Thailand in 13 years, coinciding with the 70th anniversary of diplomatic ties.
Expert Insight: As noted by government spokespersons, elevating bilateral ties to a Strategic Partnership alongside a high-level business delegation representing over 10 major Thai companies signals a targeted push to triple bilateral trade value by 2050 through the existing Thailand-New Zealand Closer Economic Partnership (TNZCEP).
Frequently Asked Questions
When did the Thai Prime Minister meet the New Zealand Ambassador?
According to Prime Minister’s Office Spokesperson Rachada Dhnadirek, the meeting took place on August 13, 2026, at 14.30 hrs at the Thai Ku Fah Building, Government House.
What are the key economic goals of the upcoming August visit?
The visit aims to elevate bilateral ties to a Strategic Partnership, increase international trade value by three times by 2050 (2588 BE), and maximize the use of the Thailand-New Zealand Closer Economic Partnership (TNZCEP).
Who is accompanying the Prime Minister on the trip to New Zealand?
Prime Minister Anutin is leading a delegation that includes more than 10 high-level Thai private sector representatives to discuss business and investment opportunities with New Zealand’s Minister for Trade and Investment.
How do you view the potential impact of these bilateral trade talks on regional economic cooperation?
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