Bangkok: The Prime Minister reiterated his confidence in the opportunities for trade and investment between Thailand and South Korea during a meeting with a group of South Korean investors and businesspeople. The meeting aimed at reinforcing confidence and opportunities in trade and investment across mutually beneficial industries. The Prime Minister also emphasized the importance of exchanging knowledge and technology to enhance Thai industries and labor skills.
According to Thai News Agency, a delegation of investors and businesspeople from South Korea paid a courtesy call on Mr. Anutin Charnvirakul, Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, during his participation in the Royal Thai Embassy’s program to bring South Korean businesspeople and investors to Thailand. The delegation was accompanied by Mr. Ekniti Nitithanpraphas, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance; Ms. Supamas Isaraphakdi, Minister to the Prime Minister’s Office; Ms. Traisulee Traisaranakul, Secretary-General to the Prime Minister; and Mr. Narit Therdsteerasak, Secretary-General of the Board of Investment (BOI).
The 27-member delegation included Mr. Lee Hack-Young, Vice Speaker of the National Assembly of the Republic of Korea, the Ambassador of the Republic of Korea Embassy in Thailand, and South Korean investors and businessmen from leading companies in various sectors such as Daewoo E and C, Herald Media Group, POSCO, SK Innovation, LG Electronics, and KS Group.
Mr. Siripong Angkasakulkiat, spokesman for the Prime Minister’s Office, shared key points from the discussion, highlighting the Prime Minister’s appreciation for South Korean investment in Thailand. The Prime Minister, who recently attended the 32nd APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting in South Korea, noted significant potential for expanding cooperation, especially in fields like smart electronics, clean energy, and digital and AI technologies.
The Prime Minister underlined Thailand’s strengths, including its modern infrastructure and strategic location within ASEAN. He emphasized Thailand’s readiness to welcome South Korean investors and businesspeople, and discussions focused on fostering understanding and listening to the South Korean business sector’s views.
The Prime Minister expressed enthusiasm for cooperation in establishing the first South Korean industrial estate in Thailand’s Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) and highlighted the urgency of signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to facilitate this development.
Mr. Lee Hack-Young thanked the Prime Minister for hosting the delegation and extended condolences for the passing of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit. He recognized the longstanding friendship between Thailand and South Korea and encouraged further assistance for South Korean businesspeople, investors, and tourists in Thailand.
Representatives from various South Korean industries shared their perspectives on promoting cooperation with Thailand. The construction industry appreciated the IGNITE Thailand-Korea Business Forum, while the steel industry praised Thailand’s infrastructure potential. The manufacturing sector suggested improvements to import procedures and taxes, and the digital and AI industries pledged support for Thailand’s AI technology adoption.
The Prime Minister concluded by thanking industry representatives and confirming Thailand’s readiness to facilitate South Korean investment, particularly in technology transfer, modern technology, and robotics. He emphasized the importance of knowledge and technology exchange alongside investment.
In closing, the Prime Minister thanked the South Korean delegation and the Royal Thai Embassy in Seoul for their visit, confirming Thailand’s commitment to support and facilitate investments for mutual benefits. He reiterated the importance of knowledge and technology exchange to ensure maximum investment benefits for both parties.