Thailand to resume direct flights to New Zealand, triple trade to boost ties

Thai Airways International will once again offer direct flights from Bangkok to Auckland, as part of efforts to strengthen ties between Thailand and New Zealand. These flights will resume in 2024, with the aim of boosting trade, tourism, investments, and movement of people between the two nations. The decision to restart the service was confirmed in a joint statement by Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul of Thailand and New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, following their meeting in Auckland.

The return of Thai Airways' direct flights to Auckland follows the suspension of services during the COVID-19 pandemic, which had disrupted global air travel. New Zealand Prime Minister Luxon expressed his support for the resumption of the airline, praising it as a significant development for tourism, trade, and connectivity, as it will facilitate easier travel, restore an important freight link, and foster stronger ties between Bangkok and other parts of Asia.

During their talks, the two leaders also agreed to triple bilateral trade by 2045, with an estimated trade volume of US$7.5 billion (246 billion baht) according to Thailand and NZ$13.5 billion (263 billion baht) as cited by New Zealand. New Zealand reaffirmed its commitment to assist Thailand in its pursuit of joining the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development.