Australia and Thailand Sign Landmark Agreement to Restore Confidence and Strengthen
Bilateral Partnership
DEPARTMENT OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS & TRADE
TOURISM AUSTRALIA
AUSTRALIAN TRADE AND TOURISM DIPLOMACY TASKFORCE
MEDIA RELEASE
Friday 3 July 2026
Australia and Thailand Sign Landmark Agreement to Restore Confidence and Strengthen Bilateral Partnership
The Australian Trade and Tourism Diplomacy Taskforce today welcomes the signing of a landmark Joint Agreement between the Australian Trade and Tourism Diplomacy Taskforce, Trade and Tourism Thailand, TravelOz and the Royal Orchid Alliance (ROA), facilitated by the United Nations.
Signed in New York on 3 July 2026, the Agreement represents a significant milestone in restoring confidence following the recent misinformation campaign that negatively impacted Australia-Thai tourism, trade, international education and public trust in both countries.
The Agreement reflected the shared commitment of Australian and Thai stakeholders to strengthen cooperation, counter misinformation through coordinated and factual public communication, and reinforce the longstanding friendship between the two nations.
The agreement was signed by Rizka Raihani, the Australian Trade and Tourism Diplomacy Taskforce’s Government Relations and International Cooperation head and said the Agreement demonstrates cooperation, transparency and a desire to work collaboratively remain the strongest responses to misinformation.
Under the Agreement, participating organisations have committed to:
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Jointly reject misinformation and coordinate timely, factual public communications.
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Support open, fair and mutually beneficial trade while discouraging economically damaging boycott movements
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Deliver collaborative tourism campaigns promoting Australia and Thailand as safe, welcoming and environmentally sustainable destinations.
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Develop joint travel packages and strengthen partnerships between tourism operators, airlines and accommodation providers.
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Protect and expand educational cooperation, including continued support for student mobility and the establishment of a Student Ambassador Programme.
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Improve public access to accurate information regarding international study opportunities and visa processes.
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Strengthen coordination between governments, tourism organisations and private-sector stakeholders through regular dialogue and information sharing.
The United Nations will continue to facilitate dialogue between participating organisations and support implementation of the Agreement in accordance with the principles of the United Nations Charter.
Following the signing ceremony, the Australia Trade and Tourism Diplomacy Taskforce and its partners will commence development of a coordinated implementation plan to deliver the commitments outlined in the Agreement. This will include future bilateral meetings, stakeholder engagement, collaborative public awareness initiatives and progress reviews to ensure measurable outcomes.
The Agreement also establishes a framework for continued cooperation in rebuilding public confidence, strengthening economic ties and promoting sustainable tourism and education exchange between Australia and Thailand.
On behalf of the Australian people, the Australian Trade and Tourism Diplomacy Taskforce thanks Trade and Tourism Thailand, TravelOz, the Royal Orchid Alliance and the United Nations for their constructive engagement throughout the negotiations.
Australia remains committed to an open, prosperous and enduring partnership with Thailand and looks forward to working closely with all partners to ensure that facts, cooperation and mutual respect continue to guide the Australia-Thailand relationship.
Media Contact – Carson Mumford
Communications & Public Diplomacy
0411 111 111