The Honourable Julie Bishop, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Australia, will pay an official visit to Thailand on 2 – 5 August 2017 as guest of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Thailand. This will be her second official visit to Thailand following her first visit in May 2015.

          The purpose of this visit is to strengthen the close bilateral relations between Thailand and Australia with this year marking the 65^th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries. In this regard, on 3 August 2017, the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Australia will lay a wreath in tribute to His Majesty the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej at the Grand Palace and afterwards sign the book of condolences at the Office of His Majesty's Principal Private Secretary.

          During her visit in Thailand, the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Australia will meet with high – level Thai officials and preside over the opening ceremony of the new Australian Embassy in Thailand as well as the Australian Consulate –General in Phuket. In addition, she will co – sign the latest version of the Agreement on Air Services between Thailand and Australia with the Minister of Foreign Affairs as well as give a special lecture on the occasion marking the 50^th anniversary of ASEAN at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

          In terms of bilateral meetings with high – level Thai officials, the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Australia will pay a courtesy call on H.E. Gen. Prayut Chan-o-cha, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Thailand, and have meetings with H.E. Gen. Prawit Wongsuwan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence; H.E. Dr. Somkid Jatusripitak, Deputy Prime Minister; and H.E. Mr. Don Pramudwinai, Minister of Foreign Affairs. Important topics that will be discussed include strengthening and promoting cooperation on security, trade and investment, people-to-people connectivity, educational cooperation, and multilateral cooperation with emphasis on the promotion of free trade in the region.