Thailand and Australia Explore Mutual Visa Exemption for Seamless Travel and Business Boost

(CTN News) – Thailand and Australia are considering a bilateral visa exemption plan to promote smooth travel and strengthen economic connections.

The proposal was introduced at Government House yesterday during a high-profile meeting between Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin and Australia’s Governor-General, David Hurley.

Governor-General Hurley, who is visiting Thailand with his wife Linda, is scheduled to commemorate the two countries’ long-standing friendship till Saturday.

Focus on Health-Oriented Travel Experiences and Strengthening the Thailand-Australia Free Trade Agreement.

The diplomatic meeting began with a formal exchange in which Hurley and Prime Minister Srettha viewed guards of honour and exchanged tokens of friendship.

The Thai government is unwavering in its commitment to promoting tourism, putting visitor safety and convenience first.”

Both parties praised the present tourism momentum between their countries, encouraging Australian tourists to seek out health-related vacation experiences in Thailand.

Expanding on the economic front, the 61-year-old prime minister recommended strengthening the Thailand-Australia Free Trade Agreement (TAFTA), predicting increased trade volumes. He also encouraged Australian investors to venture into the emerging renewable energy and smart technology fields.

Anticipating the impending ASEAN-Australia Special Summit, scheduled for early next month, both leaders envisioned a platform to exhibit investment opportunities, including Thailand’s massive southern Land Bridge megaproject.

According to the Bangkok Post, the Bangkok-born Prime Minister expressed satisfaction with current military collaborations, which include joint exercises and personnel training and emphasised the importance of increased defence cooperation in addressing security concerns.

Governor-General Hurley, a prominent figure with a long 42-year military career, emphasised the need for collaborative efforts in improving both nations’ defence readiness.

The 70-year-old Governor-General formerly held the Chief of Defence Force position in 2011, then served as Governor of New South Wales from 2014 to 2018 before taking up his current office.

The Hurleys are on a ceremonial tour of Thailand, including a royal audience with Their Majesties the King and Queen. They will also meet with Thailand’s Supreme Patriarch and visit significant initiatives such as the Doi Tung Development Project and the Mekong-Australia Partnership climate resilience project site in Chiang Rai.