15-2-2024 (BANGKOK) Thailand and Australia are considering the possibility of implementing a mutual visa exemption scheme to facilitate travel and business activities between the citizens of both nations. The proposal was discussed during a meeting between Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin and David Hurley, the Governor-General of Australia, at Government House on Wednesday.
Governor-General Hurley and his spouse Linda are currently visiting Thailand until Saturday to commemorate the longstanding relationship between the two countries. On Wednesday, they participated in an inspection of the guards of honour and exchanged souvenirs as a symbol of goodwill before engaging in talks.
Prime Minister Srettha expressed the Thai government’s commitment to implementing measures that promote tourism, including enhancing safety for tourists and facilitating their travel. He also encouraged Australian tourists to consider health-oriented travel in Thailand. Both sides expressed satisfaction with the current level of tourism activity between the two nations.
In addition to tourism, Prime Minister Srettha proposed enhancing cooperation to strengthen the Thailand-Australia Free Trade Agreement (Tafta), aiming to increase trade volume and value. He also urged Australian investors to explore opportunities in the green energy and smart technology sectors.
Governor-General Hurley highlighted the upcoming Asean-Australia Special Summit, scheduled for early next month, as an opportunity for Thailand to promote investments and showcase the government’s southern Land Bridge megaproject.
Both sides expressed satisfaction with military cooperation, which has included joint exercises and staff training. Prime Minister Srettha emphasized that closer cooperation would enhance the defense preparedness of both countries in addressing security challenges.
Governor-General Hurley, 70, had a distinguished 42-year career in the Australian military and served as Chief of Defense Force in 2011. He later assumed the role of governor of New South Wales from 2014 to 2018 before being appointed governor-general.
As part of their visit, the governor-general and his spouse are scheduled to have a royal audience with Their Majesties the King and Queen of Thailand. They will also meet with the Supreme Patriarch of Thailand and visit the Doi Tung Development Project and the Mekong-Australia Partnership climate resilience project site in Chiang Rai.
