On July 27, 2026, Mr. Chadchart Sittipunt, Governor of Bangkok, welcomed H.E. Mrs. Katharina Wieser, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Austria to the Kingdom of Thailand, at Bangkok City Hall (Sao Chingcha), on the occasion of her official assumption of duty. The leaders exchanged strategic views on enhancing livable urban environments, environmental management, mass transit, smart city administration, and bilateral cooperation between Bangkok and Vienna. They also discussed Thailand’s hosting of the 2026 Annual Meetings of the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank Group, an event set to elevate Bangkok’s global profile. 

During the meeting, Ambassador Wieser commended Thailand for hosting the summit and highlighted Vienna’s success as one of the world’s most liveable cities, particularly its public housing, waste management, green spaces, and social housing model that provides quality, affordable shelter. Governor Chadchart emphasized that Bangkok actively studies Vienna’s benchmarks, aligning with his core administration vision of creating a “Livable City for All”. Marking the 157th anniversary of Thailand-Austria diplomatic relations established in 1869, the meeting reaffirmed strong bilateral ties spanning trade, culture, science, and tourism, alongside mutual commitments to multilateral peace efforts. To commemorate the meeting, Governor Chadchart presented a replica key to the city and the book “As Floral Tributes for His Majesty the King,” while the Ambassador gifted a pictorial book illustrating the historical relationship between Thailand and Austria. Ambassador Wieser presented her credentials on June 22, 2026, following her appointment earlier that year.

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