BANGKOK: Prime Minister and Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul wrapped up his official visit to Australia and New Zealand on Saturday (Aug 22) morning with a meeting with the Thai diaspora in Auckland, pledging ongoing government support for overseas workers and entrepreneurs before flying back to inspect flood damage in northern Thailand.
The meeting took place at the Park Hyatt Auckland at 8.30am local time. The event drew over 100 members of the local Thai community, including a monastic delegation led by Phra Ratchaworanyanmuni, Abbot of Wat Yanprateep New Zealand, along with local business owners and residents.
Speaking at the event, Anutin praised the strength and resilience of the Thai expatriate community in New Zealand. He reaffirmed that his administration remains dedicated to improving the welfare of all citizens, regardless of where they reside.
"Every citizen is the government’s employer," Anutin said. "The duty of the government is to enhance the public’s quality of life and create as many opportunities as possible for our people."
Trade, connectivity, and community concerns
Reflecting on his bilateral talks with Australian and New Zealand leaders, the Prime Minister noted that discussions yielded positive progress across key sectors, including trade, clean energy, agriculture, education, and foreign direct investment.
Attendees welcomed the prospective early relaunch of Thai Airways' direct non-stop service between Bangkok and Auckland, slated for March 2027, noting that improved regional connectivity will boost tourism and trade ties.
Anutin also addressed workforce feedback from attendees, committing to work alongside New Zealand authorities to expand employment opportunities and safeguard labour rights for Thai workers abroad.
During the engagement, local business owners, including representatives from NP Flowers and a regional Manuka honey producer, presented floral tokens to the delegation.
Return to Thailand for emergency flood response
Following the event, the Thai delegation departed Auckland Airport at 11:00 local time. Official send-off representatives included Taha Macpherson, Deputy Secretary for Foreign Affairs and Trade; Raylene Siale Tagaloa Liufalani, New Zealand's Ambassador to Thailand; and Mongkol Wisitstump, Thai Ambassador to Wellington.
Government spokesperson Ratchada Thanadirek confirmed that the Prime Minister's aircraft is scheduled to land at Military Air Terminal 2 (Wing 6) in Bangkok at approximately 19:45 local time on Saturday.
Anutin is scheduled to fly to Nan Province on Sunday, 23 August, to lead flood monitoring operations, inspect affected infrastructure, and coordinate emergency relief assistance for residents. - The Nation/ANN
