Bilateral relations

Australia and Thailand have longstanding and deep connections. Formal diplomatic relations commenced in 1952. We cooperate in a broad range of areas of mutual interest, including trade and investment, law enforcement, counter-terrorism, education, security, migration and tourism. The bilateral relationship is supported by mutual membership of international and regional organisations. Foreign Minister Marise Payne visited Thailand on 10 January 2019, to discuss a wide range of bilateral issues with her counterpart Don Pramudwinai and Deputy Prime Minister/Minister for Justice Prajin Juntong, and to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Cyber and Digital Economy.

The 65th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Australia and Thailand was celebrated in 2017. The occasion was marked by a visit from the then Thai Deputy Prime Minister, H.E. General Tanasak Patimapragorn, and a troupe of 56 Thai dancers to stage a traditional “Khon” masked performance and exhibition at the Sydney Opera House, on Monday 28 August. The then foreign Minister Julie Bishop conducted a bilateral visit to Thailand in August 2017 to meet her counterpart H.E Don Pramudwinai, and open Australia’s new chancery on Wireless Rd.

Reflecting the extensive cooperation between Australia and Thailand, a treaty-level Agreement on Bilateral Cooperation entered into force on 27 July 2005. It provides a framework for future bilateral cooperation in non-trade areas, including security and law enforcement, environment and heritage, science and technology, telecommunications, civil aviation, public administration, energy, immigration, education, culture and social development. Senior Officials’ Talks are held on a regular basis, most recently on 13 September 2018. A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on 'Work and Holiday' visas allows nationals of both countries to undertake 12-month working holidays in the other country.