Joint statement on deepening economic engagement between Australia and Thailand
The Prime Minister of Australia, the Honourable Anthony Albanese MP, and the Prime Minister of Thailand, His Excellency Mr Anutin Charnvirakul, reaffirmed their commitment to deepen economic engagement, pursuant to our Australia-Thailand Strategic Partnership.
Leaders agreed to strengthen economic engagement to bolster the economic growth, resilience and prosperity of both countries. They welcomed the tripling of two-way trade since the entry into force of the Thailand–Australia Free Trade Agreement (TAFTA) in 2005 and reaffirmed their commitment to the full implementation of TAFTA to ensure businesses maximise the benefits available. They discussed cooperation to increase two-way trade and investment between Australia and Thailand, including to progress implementation of recommendations under Invested: Australia’s Southeast Asia Economic Strategy to 2040.
Leaders agreed to pursue opportunities to expand trade and investment in agriculture and food, clean energy, education, healthcare, critical technologies, resources, creative industries, and the digital economy. They welcomed Google’s new TalayLink cable connecting Thailand and Australia and the announcement by Australia’s Museum of Old and New Art (Mona) and Thailand’s Asset World Corporation to develop a significant new art destination in Bangkok. They also agreed on the value of closer exchanges and cooperation on artificial intelligence and emerging technologies to support productivity, innovation and economic competitiveness.
The leaders agreed that economic resilience is foundational to our national security and prosperity, and our shared vision for a peaceful, stable and prosperous Indo-Pacific, where sovereignty is respected.
Leaders recognised the geostrategic importance of the Mekong subregion connecting the Indo-Pacific, and agreed to continue fostering economic integration and enhancing resilient supply chain through synergies between the Ayeyawady-Chao Phraya-Mekong Economic Cooperation Strategy (ACMECS) framework and the Mekong-Australia Partnership (MAP).
Leaders expressed concerns about the impact of instability in the Middle East on energy markets and broader supply chains. Given the contribution Australia makes to Thailand as a reliable supplier of energy, and Thailand's role as an important source of plastics and manufactured inputs for Australia, leaders agreed to coordinate closely to maintain resilient supply chains to support sustainable growth, narrow development gaps, and reduce vulnerabilities to external shocks. Australia and Thailand will continue to build cooperation and exchange views on economic security and resilience, including through the Strategic Economic Cooperation Arrangement (SECA) and its mechanism, as well as the broader implementation of the Thailand-Australia Strategic Partnership.
Leaders welcomed cooperation in support of the clean energy transition, including Australia's solar energy and battery storage investments in Thailand, green innovation and renewable energy investments by Thailand in Australia. Australia also supports Thailand and other regional partners in strengthening climate change resilience, including under relevant ASEAN-led mechanisms. Leaders welcomed Australia’s role as President of Negotiations for COP31 and support for the Pacific to host the Pre-COP in Fiji with a leaders’ component in Tuvalu and Fiji, bringing the world’s attention to the frontlines of the fight against climate change.
As outward-looking economies that depend on a stable, predictable and inclusive international economic system, leaders reaffirmed their support for an open and rules-based multilateral trading system with the World Trade Organization (WTO) at its core. Leaders committed to work together to reform the WTO to make sure it is fit for purpose and addresses modern trade challenges. Leaders recognised ongoing cooperation in advancing meaningful agricultural trade reform, including as Chair and Vice Chair of the Cairns Group. Leaders affirmed their support for Thailand’s ambition to join the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), and welcomed ongoing cooperation between Australian and Thai officials towards Thailand’s accession.
Signed in duplicate in Canberra, this 19th day of August 2026 (B.E.2569) in the English language.
PM&C acknowledges the traditional owners and custodians of country throughout Australia and acknowledges their continuing connection to land, water and community. We pay our respects to the people, the cultures and the elders past, present and emerging.
