Chief Minister of the Australian Capital Territory Paid a Courtesy Call on the Governor of Bangkok
On 10th October 2025, Mr. Andrew Barr MLA, Chief Minister of The Australian Capital Territory, led a delegation to pay a courtesy call on the Governor of Bangkok. The delegation consists of Mr. Jonathan Kobus PSM, Chief Executive Officer of VisitCanberra, Mr. Matt Mison, Chief of Staff of Office of the Chief Minister at Act Government, and 3 representatives from the Australian Embassy in Thailand namely Mr. Andrew Egan, Minister and Deputy Head of Mission, Mr. Kyril Estrin, First Secretary (Investment), and Ms. Enid Chua, First Secretary (Strategic Communications). This visit aims to discuss trade and investment, forge the linkage between Bangkok and ACT, and exchange views on sustainability and capital city management experiences. In this regard, Mr. Wisanu Subsompon, Deputy Governor of Bangkok, Mr. Pimus Simaroj, Secretary to Governor of Bangkok, the representatives from the City Planning and Urban Development Department, including Ms. Soontaree Sernsuksamrit, Deputy Director-General, Mr. Sittipon Kusumarunya, Director of Urban Planning Office, and the BMA officials from the International Affairs Office jointly welcomed the delegation.
The Chief Minister expressed gratitude to the Governor of Bangkok for the warm welcome extended to the delegation. He provided the overview of the administrative structure of the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) which operates as a self-government under the Federal Government. The capital city is Canberra, and the population exceeds 500,000 residents. With a continuously increasing population, most of them immigrated to the ACT, the area has developed into a highly multicultural community. In light of this growth, efficient public transport has become essential. The Chief Minister discusses the “Light Rail” project, which is the key public transportation system of Canberra, receiving supports from both government funding and private investments. This project has contributed to increasing land value and promoting Transit-Oriented Development. Additionally, the Chief Minister highlighted that the city uses 100% of its electricity from renewable energy. Currently, Canberra has entered long-term contracts for wind and solar power projects across Australia, aiming to be a net-zero emissions city by 2045. The ACT also develops energy infrastructure to strengthen energy security, including robust energy storage systems and batteries.
The Chief Minister also stated that the ACT has provided housing for low-income residents at affordable prices by setting rents at no more than 25% of household income. The ACT also promotes the integration of housing across different income levels within the same area to foster social balance. Furthermore, Canberra has developed its economy, which was once mainly driven by the public sector, which employed nearly half of the city’s workers. Nowadays, the public sector’s role in employment has decreased to only 25%. The growth in education, tourism, and professional services has become a major economic drive. The city also encourages greater participation from the private sector and start-ups to enhance economic resilience and stability. The discussion also touched on mutual challenges, including transparency, balance in urban development, and addressing air pollution issues.
The Governor of Bangkok stated that the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) is striving to develop public spaces accessible to residents within 15 minutes, also known as “Pocket Parks”. Additionally, efforts are underway to improve sidewalks and public parks across the city to enhance the quality of life. He also shared that the BMA is implementing environmental policies aimed at reducing pollution, which include promoting clean energy in the transport system, expanding green spaces, and addressing particulate matter smaller than 2.5 microns (PM2.5).
This discussion marks an important step in strengthening the city-to-city relationship between Bangkok and Canberra. Both sides have agreed to explore potential cooperation in the areas of environment, trade, investment, tourism, and culture. The goal is to promote sustainable urban development and to further enhance relationships in the future.
On 10th October 2025, Mr. Andrew Barr MLA, Chief Minister of The Australian Capital Territory, led a delegation to pay a courtesy call on the Governor of Bangkok. The delegation consists of Mr. Jonathan Kobus PSM, Chief Executive Officer of VisitCanberra,
Chief Minister of the Australian Capital Territory Paid a Courtesy Call on the Governor of Bangkok
