On 12 February 2015, Mr. Tom Rogers, Australian Electoral Commissioner, who was accompanied by Mr. Paul Robilliard, Australian Ambassador to Thailand, paid a courtesy call on General Tanasak Patimapragorn, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Thailand. During his visit to Thailand between 11 - 13 February 2015, he is also scheduled to meet with a number of important Thai agencies concerned, such as Election Commission of Thailand, National Legislative Assembly Standing Committee on Political Affairs, Sub-committee on Political Affairs of National Reform Council, as well as Constitutional Drafting Committee.

The Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Thailand expressed his appreciation to Australia’s sincere support for Thailand’s political reform, as well as Australia’s readiness to share experiences and best practices on political development. He also expressed his wish to invite Australian experts to join “On the Path to Reform” seminar which would be held again soon following its previous success.

The Australian Electoral Commissioner took note of the good relationship between Australian and Thai Electoral Commissions as well as their stakeholders and was keen to share experience with Thailand. While believing that it would be a good opportunity for Australia to also learn from Thailand, he said the key factors to the success of an election and political reform would comprise the independence of agencies concerned, and their well-trained staffs to work with dignity and effectiveness. Australian Ambassador to Thailand reiterated that Australia would continue to share experience and contribute to Thailand’s reform process.