On 11 May 2026, H.E. Mr. Sihasak Phuangketkeow, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, hosted a working dinner for H.E. Mr. Jonathan Dale Kings, Ambassador of New Zealand to Thailand, and his spouse, on the occasion of the completion of his tenure.

The Deputy Prime Minister expressed appreciation for the Ambassador’s important role in advancing Thailand - New Zealand relations across various dimensions over the past four years, particularly as both countries commemorate the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations this year and prepare to elevate bilateral relations to a Strategic Partnership. Both sides exchanged views on regional developments, which New Zealand continues to follow closely.

The Deputy Prime Minister underscored the need for Thailand and New Zealand, as middle-size countries sharing common values, to work more closely together amid an increasingly volatile international environment. He also reaffirmed Thailand’s commitment to strengthening bilateral economic cooperation, including through enhancing Thailand’s standards and regulatory frameworks in preparation for Thailand’s accession to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). The Ambassador reaffirmed the importance of people-to-people connectivity, particularly in education, noting that many Thai graduates from New Zealand institutions have become important contributors across various sectors in Thailand.