Thai PM Anutin Reaffirms Strong Ties and Economic Alliance with South Korea

 

Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul marks ROK National Day, pledging deeper strategic cooperation and economic partnership between both nations.

 

Thai Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Anutin Charnvirakul attended the 2026 Republic of Korea (ROK) National Day reception on Friday evening, 2 October 2026, where he reaffirmed the tight-knit relationship between Thailand and South Korea and pledged to advance bilateral economic and strategic cooperation.

 

Welcomed by H.E. Park Yongmin, Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to Thailand, Prime Minister Anutin extended his congratulations to the South Korean government and its citizens.

 

He highlighted the enduring friendship between the two nations, which dates back more than seven decades, when Thailand became the first Asian country to dispatch troops to support South Korea during the Korean War.

 

 

 

Anutin noted that this historical foundation has evolved into a comprehensive strategic partnership spanning national security, trade, and cultural exchange.

 

He also recalled his recent bilateral discussions with the South Korean President at the APEC Summit in Gyeongju and the UN General Assembly in New York, expressing enthusiasm for future high-level engagements.

 

 

Cultural Affinity and Economic Expansion

Emphasising that people-to-people connections remain the cornerstone of bilateral relations, Mr Anutin pointed out that Thailand continues to be a top destination for South Korean tourists.

 

Meanwhile, Korean culture—ranging from television drama and cuisine to global K-pop icons such as BTS and BLACKPINK’s LISA—enjoys immense popularity across Thailand.

 

 

 

On the economic front, the Prime Minister described South Korea as one of Thailand’s primary trading partners and reiterated Bangkok’s readiness to welcome increased South Korean investment.

 

He expressed confidence that ongoing negotiations surrounding the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) will unlock significant economic opportunities, drive commercial exchange, and generate new employment for Thai workers.

 

Anutin also expressed his gratitude to Ambassador Park Yongmin, who completes his diplomatic tenure in Thailand this year, praising his dedication to strengthening bilateral ties and noting that his warmth and friendship will be warmly remembered by the Thai public.

 

The Prime Minister concluded his address with a ceremonial toast to the enduring alliance between the two countries.

 

 

 

Bilateral Trade and Business Collaboration

Data from Thailand’s Ministry of Commerce underscores South Korea’s status as one of Thailand’s pivotal economic partners, with total annual bilateral trade consistently exceeding 15 billion US dollars.

 

Major Thai exports to South Korea are led by integrated circuits, natural rubber products, refined petroleum, and processed agricultural goods.

 

Conversely, Thailand imports significant volumes of high-value South Korean electronic components, cold-rolled steel, synthetic rubber, and industrial machinery parts to supply domestic manufacturing hubs. 

 

 

Foreign direct investment from South Korea continues to target advanced technological sectors within Thailand, particularly electric vehicle manufacturing, semiconductor assembly, and digital infrastructure development.

 

To further accelerate commercial collaboration, ongoing negotiations under the Thailand–South Korea Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement aim to eliminate tariff barriers, streamline customs protocols, and expand technical joint ventures across green energy, supply chain resilience, and the digital economy.