On 18 May 2009, Mr. Bandhit Sotipalalit, Ambassador of Thailand to Australia, accompanied Mr. Bob Quinn, Queensland Government Special Representative, and a business delegation to pay a courtesy call on Foreign Minister Kasit Piromya, and to exchange views on political and economic matters, and measures to promote trade and investment between the two countries. The delegation comprised seven prospective investors in mega projects and five members of the Queensland-Thailand Business Partnership (QTBP).
Foreign Minister Kasit took this opportunity to explain the current political situation in Thailand and the Royal Thai Government’s efforts to develop the political system based on the rule of law, transparency and accountability. He also spoke about the “One Stop Service” established in Bangkok to facilitate foreign businessmen who want to do business in Thailand. Mr. Panich Vikitsreth, Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs, who took part in the meeting, elaborated further on the 2nd phase stimulus package focusing on infrastructure development projects which are open to Australian investors to participate in.
The programme to bring Australian businessmen to visit Thailand was initiated by the Royal Thai Embassy in Canberra in 2008. The programme aims to attract more Australian investment in Thailand’s mega projects, encourage Australian businesses to take advantage of Thailand’s lower production costs, and enhance understanding and confidence of Australian entrepreneurs in Thailand’s potential as an investment destination.
For further information, please contact the Press Division, Department of Information, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Tel.02-6435170, Fax.02-6435169, E-mail: div0704@mfa.go.th