Ambassador of Thailand shares views with Australian Parliament’s Trade Subcommittee on promoting closer tourism and education cooperation between Thailand and Australia

On 29 November 2023, H.E. Ms. Arjaree Srirattanaban, Ambassador of Thailand, attended a Public Hearing on Inquiry into Australia’s Tourism and International Education Sectors to share Thailand’s perspective with the Subcommittee for Trade of the Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade, chaired by the Honourable Deborah O’Neil, Senator for New South Wales, at the Parliament House.

 

Ambassador Arjaree stressed the importance of tourism and education cooperation in fostering not only economic but also people-to-people links between Thailand and Australia, thereby contributing to stronger and closer bilateral relations.

 

To enhance tourism cooperation, Ambassador Arjaree suggested that both sides continue to encourage more direct flights between the two countries by Thai and Australian airlines, and that more facilitated visa process be accorded to Thai tourists. A cooperation framework on new tourism trends such as green and sustainable tourism and sport and adventurous tourism, between the tourism authorities of both sides, should be considered.

 

On education, the Thai Ambassador highlighted the importance of promoting greater educational collaboration among Thai and Australian academic institutions, particularly through joint degree and research programs, and faculty, researcher, and student exchanges, as well as Australian universities opening campuses in Thailand.

 

Noting the effects of higher cost of living on foreign students in Australia, the Ambassador suggested that measures be considered to provide accommodation options at affordable prices for foreign students.