On 3 November 2023, H.E. Mr. Sarun Charoensuwan, Permanent Secretary for Foreign Affairs of Thailand, co-chaired the 4th Policy Consultation between Thailand and the Republic of Korea (ROK), with H.E. Mr. Chang Hojin, First Vice Minister of Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the ROK, at Sattabongkot Room, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Thailand, to discuss way forward in advancing the Strategic Partnership between Thailand – the ROK, and to review progress under their Five-Year Joint Action Plan towards Strengthening Strategic Partnership (2022-2027).

Both sides exchanged views on key bilateral issues, to enhance cooperation in political, security and military aspects, and particularly how to maximise their economic potentials. They noted the prospects towards concluding a bilateral Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) which they agreed could help boost two-way flows of trade and investment. They also discussed the possibilities for increased Korean investment in Thailand, particularly in electric vehicles (EV) and related industries, infrastructure development including the Landbridge Project, and public health cooperation. They also had in-depth exchanges on regional developments, including the situation in Myanmar, Korean Peninsula, Ukraine, and the Middle East.

In addition, both sides discussed cooperation in consular affairs, and issues related to employment, culture, education, tourism, and people-to-people exchange. They agreed to cooperate closely to resolve some outstanding issues regarding genuine Thai travellers being denied entry into ROK, as well as the undocumented Thai workers in the ROK. In this regard, it was recommended that the 6th Consular Consultation between their respective Consular Departments be convened as soon as possible. This was to be hosted by the ROK.

Both sides also agreed to upgrade the Policy Consultation mechanism to a Strategic Dialogue to reflect the actual nature and focus of the discussions. After the meeting, the Permanent Secretary for Foreign Affairs of Thailand and the 1st Vice Minister of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the ROK signed the Memorandum of Understanding on Academic Exchange and Cooperation between the Korea National Diplomatic Academy (KNDA) and the Devawongse Varopakarn Institute of Foreign Affairs (DVIFA) to promote cooperation in diplomat training through exchanges of experts and researchers, as well as research materials and publications.