HE Park Yongmin
Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to Thailand
Some friendships are forged in times of prosperity; others in moments of adversity. The friendship between Korea and Thailand belongs to the latter. More than seventy years ago, when Korea was fighting for its survival, Thailand stood with us, sending 6,326 soldiers to the Korean War. Their courage and sacrifice are woven into the story of Korean—Thai relations— a story that began in hardship and has grown into a partnership with a shared future. As we mark the National Foundation Day of the Republic of Korea on 3 October, that spirit feels especially relevant today.
Since establishing diplomatic relations in 1958, our two countries have navigated history together—from remarkable economic growth to the Asian and global financial crises—and in 2012, our relationship was elevated to a Strategic Partnership. Today, the world faces growing uncertainty, with conflicts across the globe and artificial intelligence driving rapid change. The growth models of the past will not, on their own, meet the challenges ahead. As we approach the 70th anniversary of our countries’ diplomatic relations in 2028, now is the time to open a new chapter, building on progress already made in three areas.
First, political, diplomatic and security ties continue to deepen through vibrant high-level exchanges, including our leaders' meeting on the sidelines of the 2025 APEC summit in Gyeongju. Korea has taken part in Cobra Gold since 2010, and defense cooperation is set to advance further with Thailand's acquisition of Korean-made frigates, following earlier purchases of T-50 jets and the Bhumibol Adulyadej-class frigate. Our law enforcement agencies are also combating online scams through initiatives such as “Breaking Chains”.
Second, economic cooperation is gaining strong momentum. In 2025, bilateral trade reached approximately USD15 billion, and cumulative Korean investment stood at around USD4.7 billion, with more than 400 Korean companies now operating in Thailand—many in electronics, automotive and advanced manufacturing in the Eastern Economic Corridor. Hyundai Motor began EV production this year while COSMAX Thailand and Doosan Electro-Materials have accelerated new investments alongside ventures such as smart city projects in Nakhon Si Thammarat and Khon Kaen. The CEPA, under negotiation, will be another driver of our ties.
Third, cultural and people-to-people exchanges continue to flourish. Around two million people travel between our countries every year, supported by more than 340 flights a week. Thailand has become a hub for Korean culture with K-dramas, K-pop and K-movies familiar to Thai audiences, and the exchange runs both ways, from Thai remakes of Korean dramas to co-produced films such as The Medium (2021).
Two upcoming events will help shape this next chapter with first our embassy's First Korea-Thailand Future Cooperation Forum on October 20 with Chulalongkorn University, exploring cooperation in AI and the content industry and second, the 14th Mekong–ROK Business Forum in Bangkok on October 28-29.
On a personal level, my three years in Thailand have been among the most meaningful chapters of my career. I am proud to have played a part in giving new impetus to our partnership. Built on nearly seven decades of friendship, the next chapter of Korea—Thailand relations is already being written, and I have no doubt that it will be bright and vibrant.
