Vientiane, October 17 (AseanAll) — On October 16, 2025, during Thai Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Anutin Charnvirakul’s official visit to Lao PDR, Thai Government Spokesperson Siripong Angkhasakulkiat disclosed that the Prime Minister had a phone conversation with President Lee Jae Myung of the Republic of Korea（South Korea）.
The Prime Minister thanked South Korean President for the latter’s congratulatory note, and accepted an invitation to attend the APEC Summit 2025 to be hosted by South Korea at the end of this month. He also underscored close ties and friendship between the two countries which have spanned over 70 years since Thailand sent troops to aid South Korea during the Korean War.
The President stated that South Koreans never forgot the sacrifice of Thai military troops sent to Korean War, and thanked the Prime Minister for accepting the invitation to attend the APEC South Korea 2025. He also commended economic, trade and tourism cooperation between the two countries.
Thailand has placed importance on forging relations and cooperation with South Korea. Current trade value between Thailand and South Korea amounts to US$1.5 billion, and the Prime Minister called on South Korea to expedite and conclude FTA negotiation in a bid to achieve the trade and investment target of US$30 billion. Thailand also seeks to promote cooperation in sectors where South Korea excels, i.e., clean energy, digital technology, and the creative economy.
The Prime Minister was also pleased with an increase of investments from South Korea, including from Hyundai, COSMAX, and LH, during the past year. A proposal to build a new industrial estate to serve only South Korean entrepreneurs is also being considered. He affirmed the Thai Government’s commitment to take good care of South Korean investors. The President also mentioned that an increasing number of South Korean private sector has expressed interest in investing in Thailand.
The two leaders also discussed regional cooperation. As the current ASEAN-South Korea Coordinator, Thailand fully endorses South Korea’s role in ASEAN. The President also thanked Thailand for helping scammed South Korean citizens in Myanmar. The Thai Prime Minister emphasized that Thailand committed to work together with South Korea in suppressing scammers.
Toward the end of the conversation, the two leaders extended an invitation to pay a visit to each other’s country. The Prime Minister and the President looked forward to meeting again at the ASEAN Summit in Malaysia, and, later, at the APEC South Korea 2025. According to the Government Spokesperson, the phone conversation had a warm and friendly vibe, reflecting close ties between the two leaders. Both leaders also invited each other to try Thai and Korean food.
