Bangkok: Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul departed on Monday for official visits to Australia and New Zealand to draw foreign investment, while downplaying concerns that upcoming U.S. demands to choose sides in the AI race with China would impact trade talks.

According to Thai News Agency, Anutin, who also serves as Interior Minister, is visiting Australia from Aug. 17-20, marking the first official visit by a Thai prime minister to the country in 14 years. The trip comes ahead of the 75th anniversary of diplomatic ties between the two nations, with discussions focused on trade, investment, clean energy, security, and the Thailand-Australia Strategic Partnership Joint Action Plan (2026-2029).

He will then visit New Zealand from Aug. 20-22, the first such visit in 13 years, coinciding with the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations. Talks will focus on elevating ties to a strategic partnership, expanding economic cooperation, and pushing to resume direct flights between Bangkok and Auckland.

Addressing reports that Washington plans to notify allies they must choose sides in the escalating AI competition with China, Anutin dismissed concerns that the stance would complicate Thailand's ongoing trade negotiations. "It shouldn't be related because there are specific conditions already on the negotiating table," Anutin said, adding that the definition and scope of "picking sides" remain subject to discussion.

He drew parallels to assurances given by a visiting U.S. Deputy Secretary of Defense last week, who confirmed that military and security cooperation - including the annual Cobra Gold exercise - remains separate from commercial trade talks.