Australia and Thailand commit to stronger trade and investment ties

Australia and Thailand have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening cooperation across trade, investment, innovation, defence and law enforcement.

Australia’s Prime Minister the Hon. Anthony Albanese and Thailand’s Prime Minister H.E. Anutin Charnvirakul issued a Joint Statement on Deepening Economic Engagement on 19 August in Canberra.  

Both countries committed to expanding trade and investment by seizing new opportunities in agriculture and food, clean energy, critical technologies and the digital economy. They agreed on the value of closer exchanges and cooperation on artificial intelligence and emerging technologies to support productivity, innovation and economic competitiveness. 

The Joint Statement also creates a clear roadmap for more two-way trade, targeted capital flow and investment partnerships in priority sectors such as solar and battery storage, EV component manufacturing and infrastructure.  

Australia and Thailand will also work more closely on science, research and innovation to drive economic growth. This will build on existing collaboration between CSIRO and Thai research partners in pharmaceutical manufacturing, and sustainable food and agricultural systems.

Prime Minister Anutin was in Australia as a guest of the Australian Government. He led a delegation of senior government officials and business leaders from some of Thailand’s largest agrifood, energy and tourism companies to take part in high-level trade and investment discussions.

The visit was Prime Minister Anutin’s first to Australia since taking office. The 2 prime ministers last met on the margins of ASEAN-led Summits in Kuala Lumpur in October 2025.

‘With two-way trade nearly tripling since our FTA entered into force, Australia’s economic ties with Thailand continue to offer enormous potential,’ says Prime Minister Albanese. 

‘It is a pleasure to host Prime Minister Anutin in Australia, and I look forward to working together as we expand our relationship to meet modern challenges and opportunities.’

Longstanding trade and investment partners

Australia and Thailand share substantial trade and investment links. Thailand is Australia’s fourth largest trading partner in Southeast Asia and its 11th largest trading partner overall. The 2 countries will mark 75 years of diplomatic relations in 2027.

Since the Thailand-Australia Free Trade Agreement (TAFTA) entered into force in 2005, two-way trade has nearly tripled. In 2025, Australia’s two-way trade in goods and services with Thailand was valued at A$32.4 billion.  

Two-way investment was valued at approximately A$13 billion in 2025. Australia has invested in solar energy and battery storage projects in Thailand. Similarly, Thailand has invested in green innovation and renewable energy projects in Australia.

The Joint Statement on Deepening Economic Engagement builds on existing bilateral agreements including TAFTA and a Strategic Partnership signed in 2020. It also supports ongoing efforts to increase two-way trade and investment between Australia and Thailand under Invested: Australia’s Southeast Asia Economic Strategy to 2040.

To boost economic growth in the region, Australia affirmed its support for Thailand to join the OECD. It is also committed to working closely with Thailand in multilateral forums such as COP31, the World Trade Organization and ASEAN. This reflects both countries’ shared commitment to the agreed rules, norms and standards of the multilateral system.

The Thai delegation with Australia’s Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, Thailand’s Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and Australia’s Trade and Tourism Minister Don Farrell.

Investor Roundtable highlights Australian opportunities

As part of the visit program, Austrade hosted an Investor Roundtable to provide delegates with an overview of the investment landscape in Australia. It was also an opportunity to hear from the Thai companies about their focus and plans for Australia.

The Roundtable was attended by Australia’s Minister for Trade and Tourism the Hon. Don Farrell and Thanadit Raktabutr – Vice Minister for the Office of the Prime Minister. Representatives from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Treasury, the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water, and the Clean Energy Finance Corporation were also present.

Austrade was represented by Daniel Boyer – Acting CEO, Nicholas Dowie – Head of Tourism and the Visitor Economy, and Wendy Haydon – Director Asia, Investment.

The business delegation comprised some of Thailand’s largest companies, including B.Grimm Power, BANPU, Central Group, TCC Group/Frasers Property Thailand, Minor Group, PTT Public, RATCH Group, Supalai, MSF Sugar (Pitr Phol) and Thai Beverage. 

The Roundtable discussions highlighted the many opportunities for investment in clean energy, advanced manufacturing, technology and enabling infrastructure. The discussions also focused on investment opportunities in tourism and hospitality, and leveraging Thailand as a travel gateway from Europe and the Middle East.

Delegates also heard about the Australian Government’s plans to attract and support investment in nationally significant projects under its Future Made in Australia agenda. They also learned more about the Government’s reforms to streamline the investment framework, including an Investor Front Door to make it easier to develop major, transformational projects and invest in Australia.

‘The Roundtable discussions showed both countries are enthusiastic about strengthening theilongstanding economic partnership,’ says Munish Sharma, Senior Trade and Investment Commissioner, Austrade Bangkok. 

‘Trade and investment flows between Australia and Thailand are strong, but they could and should be stronger. I encourage Thai investors and businesses to reach out to Austrade to learn more about investment opportunities. Our investment managers in Australia and Bangkok can support you to take your investment from concept to completion.’

Thailand-Australia Investment and Business Partnership Reception

Austrade also supported Thailand Board of Investment to host the Thailand-Australia Investment and Business Partnership Reception in Sydney. The reception brought together Australian and Thai exporters, investors and business leaders to discuss opportunities in Thailand and across ASEAN.

In his keynote address, Prime Minister Anutin highlighted the growing opportunities for trade and investment between the 2 countries and his government’s support for Australian investors. Other keynote speakers included Export Finance Australia CEO John Hopkins and NSW Minister for Industry and Trade Anoulack Chanthivong. 

Another highlight was a visit to Canva’s head office in Sydney, organised by Austrade. Prime Minister Anutin and officials met with Canva Co-founder and Chief Operating Officer Cliff Obrecht to hear the company’s plans for Thailand. Austrade supports Canva to collaborate with the Thai Government, promote Thailand’s creative economy, and enhance digital design and AI capabilities for Thai businesses and educators.

How Austrade can help

The Australian Trade and Investment Commission (Austrade) supports foreign investors to establish and expand operations in Australia. Our experts in Australia and around the world can help you through every stage of your investment journey.

We offer the latest industry insights, connections with key stakeholders and decision-makers, and virtual or physical site visits to Australia. Thousands of foreign businesses have worked with us to tap into the Australian market. 

For information on investment opportunities in Australia, contact an Austrade investment specialist.