On 13 November 2020, H.E. General Prayut Chan-o-cha, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Thailand, and the Honourable Scott Morrison, Prime Minister of the Commonwealth of Australia, announced the elevation of Thailand-Australia bilateral relationship to the “Strategic Partnership”. The two leaders virtually signed the Joint Declaration on the Strategic Partnership between the Kingdom of Thailand and Australia during their meeting.

The Strategic Partnership between Thailand and Australia reflects the two countries’ confidence and commitment to promoting and deepening closer ties aiming for more dynamic cooperation. The Strategic Partnership is based on goodwill and spirit of friendship, mutual respect, and mutual benefits. Thailand and Australia will further strengthen cooperation in key areas, including political and security engagement, economic and technical collaboration in sectors that are crucial for long-term growth and sustainable development, such as science, technology, innovation, education, public health, agriculture, environment, and people to people contact. This will not only support the post COVID-19 socio-economic recovery, but also promote peace, stability, and prosperity for Thailand, Australia and the region.

After the announcement of the Strategic Partnership, relevant agencies from Thailand and Australia will take consultation in developing a Joint Plan of Action which will lay out a work plan and concrete activities in line with the Joint Declaration, so as to be carried out in the future.