On 30 October 2025, H.E. Mr. Sihasak Phuangketkeow, Minister of Foreign Affairs, attended the bilateral meeting between H.E. Anutin Charnvirakul, Prime Minister, and H.E. Mr. Lee Jae Myung, President of the Republic of Korea, on the sidelines of the 2025 APEC Economic Leaders’ Week in Gyeongju, Republic of Korea.

The two leaders were pleased to hold an in-person meeting for the first time, following the ROK President’s congratulatory phone call to the Prime Minister two weeks ago. The Prime Minister reiterated his appreciation for the President’s friendship and invited him to pay a visit to Thailand, to which the President accepted to do so at the first opportunity.

On this occasion, both sides agreed to drive forward cooperation on trade and investment. Special emphasis was given to expediting conclusion of the Thailand-ROK FTA, and boosting the ROK’s investment in Thailand. The Prime Minister reaffirmed his readiness to take care of Korean investors, such as KakaoBank’s license to open a virtual bank in Thailand, and LH’s project to establish the first Korean industrial estate in Thailand. He also expressed readiness to personally meet with Korean investors in Thailand to discuss opportunities and obstacles. Both sides also discussed cooperation in the defense industry.

Moreover, the ROK President expressed concern regarding Thai tourists being denied entry into the ROK, as most Thai nationals travel there with honest intentions. The Prime Minister requested the ROK to consider increasing employment opportunities for Thai citizens in the ROK, as part of a solution to this issue.