As Australia Day approaches on 26 January, it is an opportune time for us to reflect on the deep and enduring friendship between Australia and Thailand.
2024 was particularly significant in increasing cooperation between our two nations, paving the way for our shared future.
The year began with the historic visit of then-Australian Governor-General, His Excellency General the Honourable David Hurley AC CVO DSC (Retd), to Thailand in February, where he was graciously hosted by His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn, his classmate from Royal Military College Duntroon.
And the year concluded with another high-level visit as the Australian and Thai Foreign Ministers met in Australia in December – a meeting which set a firm foundation for advancing our Strategic Partnership.
In 2024, we held the inaugural Thailand-Australia Strategic Economic Dialogue, which looked to build on our record two-way trade of A$30.8 billion. Australia also hosted the ASEAN-Australia Special Summit, which celebrated 50 years of partnership between Australia and ASEAN.
In May, I joined the Thai Minister of Justice in launching Thailand’s Counter Trafficking in Persons Centre of Excellence, and our law enforcement authorities intercepted almost four tonnes of illegal drugs in Thailand.
What underpins our partnerships is our strong people-to-people links. There are around 100,000 Thai people living in Australia, as well as many Australians who call Thailand home. Australian and Thai people regularly visit each other’s countries to study, work and travel.
Looking ahead, 2025 will be a year of continued collaboration, including through Australia’s support for Thailand’s OECD accession, agricultural sustainability, the 20th anniversary of the Thailand-Australia Free Trade Agreement, and new scholarships under the Mekong-Australia Partnership.
I look forward to celebrating Australia Day with our Thai friends, and continuing to deepen our warm and dynamic relationship.
