Today I announce the appointment of Mr Pablo Kang as Australia’s next Ambassador to Thailand.
Australia and Thailand share a dynamic and enduring relationship, built over more than seven decades of close engagement based on trade and investment ties, defence and security cooperation, and deep community links.
Australia and Thailand signed a Strategic Partnership in 2020. Both countries work closely together to support a peaceful, stable and prosperous region.
We work side by side in regional institutions, cooperate closely on issues affecting the Mekong sub-region, and continue to strengthen our commercial ties.
Underpinned by our bilateral and regional trade agreements, two-way trade reached $32.9 billion in 2024, making Thailand Australia’s 10th largest trading partner.
Mr Kang is a senior career officer with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. He has previously served overseas as Ambassador to Cambodia, Ambassador to the United Arab Emirates, and High Commissioner to Vanuatu, with earlier postings in the Philippines and the United Kingdom.
In Canberra, Mr Kang has held a range of positions, including Head of the ASEAN-Australia Special Summit Taskforce and First Assistant Secretary, International Division, both in the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet. He has also acted as Principal Adviser (International) in the Office of the Prime Minister.
I thank outgoing Ambassador Angela Macdonald PSM for her contributions to advancing Australia’s interests in Thailand since 2022.