On 14 January 2014, Mr. Paul Robilliard, Australian Ambassador to Thailand, paid a courtesy call on General Thanasak Patimapragorn, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on the occasion of his assumption of duty.

Australian Ambassador wished His Majesty King and Queen for a speedy recovery and good health. Australian Ambassador also mentioned to stand ready to work with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and other Thai related agencies to further promote Thailand-Australia relations and move forward our bilateral cooperation.

Both sides discussed on exchange visits of high-level officials between the two countries and ways to enhance our bilateral relations and all areas of cooperation especially on education under New Colombo Plan and human trafficking under Australia-Asia Program to Combat Trafficking in Persons (AAPTIP) respectively. Both sides have planned to sign the Subsidiary Agreement of AAPTIP in a few weeks.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs explained on Thailand’s political development and reaffirmed Thailand’s determination to follow the Roadmap. Australian Ambassador showed his appreciation for the explanation and his understanding on the situation.  Australian Ambassador also expressed Australia’s readiness to share experience and best practice on political reform and development and hoped that Thailand would return to full-fledged democracy as planned.