On 22 May 2026, Mrs. Hataya Khusakul, Director-General of the Department of American and South Pacific Affairs, met with Ms. Amy Hawkins, First Assistant Secretary (FAS) of the National Defence Strategy Division, Department of Defence of Australia.

The Director-General underscored Thailand's commitment to engaging constructively with strategic partners, including Australia, to uphold the rules-based international order. FAS Hawkins briefed the Thai side on Australia’s 2026 National Defence Strategy, which aims to strengthen Australia's capacity to address future challenges, particularly in the current strategic environment marked by intensifying geopolitical competition among major powers in the Indo-Pacific region.

Both sides also exchanged views on regional issues and defence cooperation, including expanding collaboration in the defence industry.