Foreign Affairs Minister Nanaia Mahuta today announced the appointment of Jonathan Kings as New Zealand’s next Ambassador to Thailand.
“Aotearoa New Zealand has a long-standing relationship with Thailand, celebrating the 65th anniversary of diplomatic representation between our countries in 2021. We also share much in common at regional and multilateral levels including involvement with APEC, which Thailand is hosting this year,” Ms Mahuta said.
Mr Kings has served as Deputy Secretary at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT) since 2015. He has led the Pacific and Development Group, which includes responsibility for delivery of New Zealand’s overseas development budget, and has also held the positions of Administrator of Tokelau and Director Special Relations unit.
Prior to joining the Ministry, Mr Kings had a career in law, followed by leadership roles in the private sector and as Group General Manager at New Zealand Trade and Enterprise. He has also worked in the Organisation of Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), Paris.
“As our next Ambassador, Mr Kings will be key to enhancing our strong trading relationship with Thailand in the Indo-Pacific region and growing the warm connections that we already share,” the Minister said.
