On 27–28 November 2025, H.E. Mr. Sihasak Phuangketkeow, Minister of Foreign Affairs, met with The Right Honourable Winston Peters, Minister of Foreign Affairs of New Zealand, during his official visit to Thailand. The two sides jointly signed the Joint Plan of Action for the Thailand–New Zealand Strategic Partnership 2026–2030 (JPOA), moving towards the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Thailand and New Zealand next year (2026).

The JPOA, the first between Thailand and New Zealand, illustrates the shared commitment to deepening and strengthening bilateral relations and to elevating them to a Strategic Partnership, agreed and announced by the Prime Ministers in April last year. The JPOA charts a comprehensive action plan covering four pillars: (1) Political and Security, (2) Economy, Trade and Innovation, (3) Culture and People-to-People Links, and (4) Regional and Multilateral Cooperation.

On economic cooperation, a goal to triple two-way trade by 2045 was set. Both sides will continue to enhance engagement and cooperation, especially in the area of capacity building as set forth in the JPOA. The importance of people-to-people relations was highlighted as a fundamental link for a healthy partnership based on mutual understanding and trust. It is thus the plan to further promote education and exchanges, including through scholarships, and Minister Peters announced New Zealand’s increase in Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships for Thai students from 4 to 39 in 2026–2027. Both sides also discussed ways to facilitate travel between the two countries, including, for instance, the earliest resumption of direct flights.

On regional and multilateral cooperation, Thailand and New Zealand recognize the importance of an open, transparent, inclusive, rules-based, and resilient regional architecture and thus will tighten cooperation in sub-regional and regional fora. Thailand welcomes New Zealand’s active and constructive roles in the region as ASEAN’s strategic partner.

Both sides also recognized the critical need for international collaboration and partnership to tackle online scams and transnational crimes exerting grave impacts on individuals, businesses, and governments globally. An invitation to the International Conference on Global Partnership against Online Scams scheduled on 17–18 December 2025 in Bangkok was extended to New Zealand. The bilateral MOU on the prevention and suppression of money laundering, as specified in the JPOA, is being expedited to complement this international effort.

During the visit, the delegation was also briefed on the Thailand–Cambodia border situation and Thailand’s commitment to peace and a peaceful solution. After the meeting between the two Foreign Ministers, both sides proceeded with the signing of the JPOA, a joint press conference, and a lunch hosted in honour of the delegation. Minister Peters also met with H.E. Mr. Anutin Charnvirakul, Prime Minister. The Minister conveyed his condolences on the passing of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit, the Queen Mother of Thailand, and expressed sympathy to those affected by the recent flooding in southern Thailand. The two sides also exchanged their visions toward elevating bilateral relations to a Strategic Partnership, as well as perspectives on regional and international issues. Before leaving Thailand, Minister Peters visited the Grand Palace to sign the book of condolence on the passing of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit, the Queen Mother, on behalf of the Government of New Zealand, which was deeply appreciated by the Thai side.