By Diplomacy Journal Lee Kap-soo
“Thailand-ROK’s people-to-people and cultural ties continue to grow. For instance, Sawasdee Seoul Thai Festival held in October proved a resounding success, with over 50,000 visitors,” said H.E. Amb. Tanee Sangrat of Thailand to South Korea at the national day reception.
Delivering welcoming speech at the reception held at the Crystal Ballroom, Lotte Hotel Seoul, on Dec. 4, Amb. Tanee Sangrat said, “The Embassy also initiated an unprecedented special passport project this year, issuing over 37,000 passports for Thai nationals in the ROK. Our efforts to elevate tourism and educational collaboration continue at full-force.”
Noting that the Thailand-ROK relationship is also driven by new dynamics from various dimensions, the ambassador said, “It is our common goal to make this relationship relevant to opportunities and challenges in the global and regional context while enhancing mutual benefits and security for our peoples and beyond.”
He also said, “This month, I will lead a Korean investment mission to Thailand to explore opportunities in a wide-range of industries, while Thai power corporations are already investing in some of the largest renewable power projects in the ROK.”
Over 800 guests, including foreign ambassadors and senior diplomats from the Foreign Diplomatic Corps in Korea, Korean government officials and other local and international dignitaries, attended the gala event.
In his congratulatory remarks, Chung Kee-yong, ambassador and deputy minister for climate change, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said, “Thailand has always been a steadfast friend of Korea, notably as the first Asian nation to send troops during the Korean War. The noble sacrifices made by Thai soldiers in the pursuit of freedom and peace hold a special place in the hearts of the Korean people.”
Commenting that Thailand, as ASEAN’s second-largest economy, is a vital partner for Korea in promoting economic cooperation, Chung said, “This year, our economic ties reached a new milestone with the launch of negotiations for the Korea-Thailand Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) in March, followed by three rounds of negotiations in just one year. I am confident that an early conclusion of this agreement will unlock immense potential for trade and investment, driving the next chapter of our economic partnership.”
He also said, “Cultural cooperation between Korea and Thailand is also poised for remarkable growth. In this regard, I look forward to the early convening of the first Cultural Joint Committee meeting to foster in-depth discussions across various fields of culture and soft power.”
The following is the full-text of the speech by H.E. Mr. Tanee Sangrat at the National Day Reception of the Kingdom of Thailand. –Ed.
- Thailand’s National Day is a celebration of four august occasions: the National Day of Kingdom; the Birthday Anniversary of His Majesty the Late King ภูมิพลอดุลยเดช the Great; Thailand’s Father’s Day; and World Soil Day in recognition of His Late Majesty’s contribution to sustainable soil management and sustainable development.
- Not only was His Late Majesty globally known as a Development King, but he was also recognised as a talented musician and gifted athlete as you will enjoy this event tonight, with the Royal Bangkok Symphony Orchestra through his Royal Compositions.
- The current monarch, / His Majesty King มหาวชิราลงกรณ์ พระวชิรเกล้าเจ้าอยู่หัว has pledged to “continue, preserve, and build upon” the legacy of his father, especially through the promotion of volunteer work. As such, the 5th of December is the day when Thai people reflect upon the royal undertakings that have contributed so much to Thailand and beyond.
Bilateral Relations
- This is my first National Day Reception in Seoul. Coming from a military family and having heard stories of the Korean War, it is a privilege to serve as Ambassador to Korea.
- This year, I had the honour of attending the first Interment Ceremony of a Thai veteran at the UN Memorial Cemetery in Busan. The case of Corporal รอด อาสนพรรณ, who chose to be buried in the country he fought to defend, characterises the deep bonds of friendship between our two countries and peoples.
- In 2024, we have witnessed renewed momentum in our strategic partnership with the visits to the Republic of Korea of the Minister of Foreign Affairs, several cabinet ministers, / and the President of the National Assembly of Thailand, culminating in the first meeting between Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra and President Yoon Suk Yeol in October. Our leaders committed to ensuring a swift conclusion to the negotiations for the Economic Partnership Agreement /or our FTA next year.
People-to-People Relations
- Our people-to-people and cultural ties also continue to grow: “Sawasdee Seoul Thai Festival” in October proved a resounding success, with over 50,000 visitors. The Embassy also initiated an unprecedented special passport project this year, issuing over 37,000 passports for Thai nationals in the ROK. Our efforts to elevate tourism and educational collaboration continue at full-force. / I am pleased to note that the ROK has placed fourth in the number of visitors to Thailand this year, with over 1.6M Koreans having visited Thailand, while over 200,000 Thais have also visited the ROK. Korean continues to be one of the most popular foreign languages for Thais, with 50,000 students studying Korean in Thailand. In Korea, the Thai community is joining to form a Nuad Thai or Thai massage association for volunteers and Thai student association.
On the subject of mutual appreciation through cuisine, I am pleased to announce that “Tom Yum Gung,” Thailand’s world-famous soup has just been listed as an “Intangible Heritage of Humanity” by a UNESCO meeting.
Economic Relations
- Looking ahead, Thailand – the ROK relationship is also driven by new dynamics from various dimensions. It is our common goal to make this relationship relevant to opportunities and challenges in the global and regional context while enhancing mutual benefits and security for our peoples and beyond.
- Our Team Thailand in Seoul will seek to capitalise on Thailand’s the ROK’s economic potential, including connecting our financial sectors QR code payment and digital paperless trade. According to the International Institute for Management Development, our global competitiveness ranking places at 25th place and 2nd in ASEAN. We will redouble our efforts to promote collaborative business, in line with the Thai Government’s priorities in enhancing Thailand’s investment environment, green growth and future industries.
- This month, I will lead a Korean investment mission to Thailand to explore opportunities in a wide-range of industries, while Thai power corporations are already investing in some of the largest renewable power projects in the ROK.
- In closing, I would like all to thank all of my staff for their tireless efforts, Thai Community in Korea, and Thai and Korean partners for their support for this National Day.
May I invite all of you to join me in a toast to the good health and happiness of His Majesty the King of Thailand and the peoples of the Republic of Korea and the Kingdom of Thailand.
