Thailand's Ambassador to South Korea, Tanee Sangrat, and Herald Media Group CEO Choi Jin-young discussed ways to boost economic and cultural diplomacy on Wednesday.
The discussions took place during a courtesy visit by Sangrat to the Herald Media Group headquarters in Yongsan.
Highlighting future initiatives, Sangrat outlined his embassy’s plans for economic engagement and cultural exchange.
Contact between Korea and Thailand dates back to the 14th century, while formal diplomatic ties were established in 1958. Thailand recognized the Republic of Korea in 1949 and was one of the first nations to send troops to defend South Korea during the Korean War (1950-1953), with 129 Thai soldiers losing their lives.
The establishment of embassies in Bangkok in 1960 and Seoul in 1961 further solidified their bilateral relations.
“There is immense potential for deeper collaboration between Thailand and Korea,” Sangrat said, urging the mobilization of speakers and policymakers to produce actionable business outcomes and secure media coverage.
Choi and Sangrat referenced Thailand's strategic position in Southeast Asia and its regional connectivity, hoping to align the two nations' proactive investment strategies through economic diplomacy.
Sangrat also shared his enthusiasm for organizing cultural events to deepen ties, proposing orchestral concerts featuring Thai and Korean musicians.
“Last year’s Thai festival attracted 50,000 participants, and we anticipate even larger numbers this year,” Sangrat said, revealing that planning is already underway for the next festival.
He also promoted Thailand’s wide-ranging investment landscape, inviting the participation of Korean investors in sectors such as real estate, technology and power generation.
“Thailand offers diverse investment opportunities. We look forward to creating platforms where Korean firms can thrive, from smart city projects to tourism-based developments,” he added.
Choi also suggested that real estate development, smart cities and nuclear technology could become cornerstones of Thailand-Korea collaboration.
“With a clear strategy, mutual trust and planning, we can build bridges that benefit both economies and societies,” said Choi.
Sangrat is a career diplomat who has been Thailand's ambassador to Korea since April 2024. Prior to his assignment to Korea, he served as Thai Ambassador to the US. He has also served previously as the Thai ambassador to Vietnam and spokesperson and director general of Thailand's Department of Information from 2020-2022. He is a graduate of Marquette High School in Alton, Illinois, US, and holds a BA in political science from Southern Illinois University at Carbondale and a master’s in public and international affairs from the University of Pittsburgh.
