Ambassador of Thailand’s visit to the State of Victoria  

On 3-7 February 2021, H.E. Ms Busadee Santipitaks, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Thailand visited various places of interest and met with representatives of the Thai community and Thai-Australia Network.  

            1) Melbourne Zoo : On 3 February 2021, Ambassador Busadee visited the Melbourne Zoo at the invitation of Ms. Kate Vinot, Chair of Zoos Victoria and met her team.  She was informed about the Thai elephants’enclosure and learned about their activities and surroundings. There are presently seven Thai elephants at the zoo, three females of which were the prior offering cared for in Australia as a symbol of close relations.  Melbourne Zoo has concrete plans for expansion, and it is expected that the Thai elephants will be transferred to their new and large habitat at Werribee Park by 2024. 

            2) Thailand-Australia Network : On 4 February 2021, Ambassador Busadee met with the Board members of the Thailand-Australia Network (TAN), comprising representatives of the Thailand-Australia private sector from various leading companies such as CP, Tangola, Bangkok Airways, Singhaus, Google and Thai restaurants.  TAN is chaired by Dr. Simon Wallace, Honorary Consul-General of Thailand to Melbourne. 

3) Meeting with Thai students: On 5 February 2021, Ambassador Busadee met with representatives of Thai students in Melbourne, the second largest student body in Australia after New South Wales.  Many Thai scholarship recipients are studying in various fields especially the sciences, technology and medicine.  Ambassador Busadee shared with the students the Embassy’s efforts in the ongoing discussions on the interest of international students, including Thais, to return to Australia for further education and study. 

4) Meeting with Thai communities : On 6-7 February 2021, Ambassador Busadee visited Dhammarangsee Temple and Wat Thai Nakorn in Melbourne and Buddha Boddhivana Monastery in Warburton. She also met with the Thai communities and informed of the Embassy’s duty and efforts in taking care of Thai citizens in Australia as well as the setting up of a consular mobile unit to service the Thai community between 4- 8 February 2021 in Melbourne. 

5) Visit to Aeroklas Australia :On 5 February 2021, Aeroklas Australia received Ambassador Busadee and briefed her on their autoparts business and innovations in automotive products.  Aeroklas Australia is a Thai subsidiary to the Eastern Polymer Group which has a large presence in Australia. 

6) Meeting with Mayor and local Councillor of Yarra Ranges : On 7 February 2021, Ambassador Busadee was joined by Ms. Fiona McAllister, Mayor of Yarra Ranges and Mr. Jim Child, Councillor of Yarra Ranges Council at the Buddha Bodhivana Monastery in Warburton, where they participated in an alms-giving and merit-making ceremony.  At the kind hospitality of local Councillor Child, Ambassador Busadee visited Rayner’s Orchard and Healesville Sanctuary to learn more about fresh fruits farms to promote agro-tourism, and animal sanctuary management and welfare.  Yarra Valley is well known for its orchards, vineyards and wildlife protection.