Distinguished Thai and international business leaders gathered at Pullman Bangkok Hotel G to celebrate growing trade, innovation, and community partnerships.
The New Zealand-Thai Chamber of Commerce (NZTCC) successfully hosted its flagship networking event, "Chat & Cheers: Kia Ora, Ambassador!", on Thursday, October 8, 2026, at the Pullman Bangkok Hotel G. The evening officially welcomed Her Excellency Raylene Liufalani, the newly appointed Ambassador of New Zealand to Thailand, while bringing together executives, diplomats, entrepreneurs and industry pioneers from sectors including technology, services, healthcare, and food and beverage.
The event commenced with welcome remarks from NZTCC President, Mr. Amarit Charoenphan, followed by a keynote address delivered by H.E. Raylene Liufalani titled "New Zealand and Thailand: Opportunities for Trade, Economic Partnership, and Innovation." Her Excellency highlighted the complementarity of the New Zealand and Thai economies and the strong opportunities to deepen collaboration in innovation, technology, advanced manufacturing, sustainability and food production. Combining New Zealand's expertise with Thailand's scale, manufacturing strengths and role as an important regional hub would be of mutual benefit. It was pleasing to see, in this 70th year of diplomatic relations, that two-trade between New Zealand and Thailand was growing and Thailand is New Zealand's 9th largest trading partner. Adding to the prestige of the evening were distinguished Guests of Honour, including Mr. Weerapong Prapa, Thailand Trade Representative; Mr. Pravit Prakitsri, Deputy Chief of Working Committee on Oceania and Advisor to the Board of Trade of Thailand; and Mr. Ravi Sehgal, Vice Chairman of the Joint Foreign Chambers of Commerce in Thailand (JFCCT), alongside business leaders and members of the NZTCC Board of Directors.
The formal proceedings concluded with an official ceremonial toast on stage with Her Excellency, VIP guests, and event sponsors, opening an evening of high-level networking accompanied by premium New Zealand wine and cuisine.
The NZTCC extends its sincere gratitude to its Official Event Sponsors whose support made the evening possible:
- Mainfreight Logistics (Thailand)
- Singapore Airlines
- Charoen Pokphand Group (CPF)
For more information about upcoming NZTCC events, membership, or bilateral trade initiatives, please visit www.nztcc.org or contact [email protected].