Ekniti Pushes Thailand as Regional Distribution Hub in NZ Visit

Thairath•Politics•4d ago

Reader Briefing

Deputy Prime Minister Ekniti Nitithanprapas discussed economic cooperation and investment attraction during a visit to New Zealand on August 22, 2026.

•Ekniti Nitithanprapas visited Auckland, New Zealand on August 22, 2026, accompanying the Prime Minister.
•The Thai government aims to attract investment and upgrade national potential through cooperation in agricultural technology and clean energy.
•Discussions were held with T&G Global to invest in a distribution center in Thailand, specifically for apples.
•The government seeks to revive direct Thai Airways flights to New Zealand to facilitate business and tourism.

Overview

•Ekniti Nitithanprapash visited Auckland, New Zealand on August 22, 2026.
•Ekniti Nitithanprapash stated the government intends to transform energy and cost-of-living crises into opportunities by partnering with New Zealand for clean energy and modern technology.
•The Thai government is negotiating with T&G Global to establish a distribution center in Thailand to make Thailand a regional hub for products, particularly apples.
•Thai investors have expanded into New Zealand, including holding a 20% stake in the honey business Comvita and owning leading hotels.
•Ekniti Nitithanprapash coordinated with the Chairman of the Thai Airways Board and the CEO of Auckland Airport to find suitable time slots for resuming direct flights.
•Ekniti Nitithanprapash noted that when Thai Airways receives new aircraft, direct routes to New Zealand will be considered a priority.
•The Thai government plans to bring digital and technological skills to Thai people to support economic transition.
•Both the Thai and New Zealand Prime Ministers have directed the upgrading of cooperation via the Thailand-New Zealand FTA.

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Key Entities

Person

Ekniti Nitithanprapash(เอกนิติ นิติทัณฑ์ประภาศ)

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance of Thailand.

Place

New Zealand(นิวซีแลนด์)ℹ️

Country visited by the Thai government to strengthen economic ties and attract investment.

Auckland(นครโอ๊คแลนด์)ℹ️

City in New Zealand where Ekniti Nitithanprapash met the Thai community.

Organization

T&G Global

A giant business group in discussions to invest in a distribution center in Thailand.

Comvita

A high-quality honey business in which Thai investors hold a 20% stake.

Central Group(กลุ่มเซ็นทรัล)ℹ️

A Thai business group and major importer supporting the plan to make Thailand a distribution hub.

Thai Airways(การบินไทย)ℹ️

The airline being urged to reopen direct flight routes to New Zealand.

Auckland Airport(ท่าอากาศยานโอ๊คแลนด์)ℹ️

The airport whose CEO coordinated with the Thai government regarding flight preparations.

Policy

Thailand-New Zealand FTA(FTA ไทย-นิวซีแลนด์)

The free trade agreement both countries intend to use to upgrade cooperation.