SEOUL, December 04 (AJP) - Thailand's ambassador to South Korea emphasized Bangkok's commitment to a more active global role and deeper cooperation with Seoul during a National Day reception held at Lotte Hotel Seoul on December 3. The event, hosted in the Crystal Ballroom, brought together about 300 diplomats, scholars, media members and business leaders, according to organizers.
Before the formal program began, guests observed a one-minute moment of silence in memory of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit The Queen Mother, who passed away on October 24.
Ambassador Tanee Sangrat opened his remarks by noting that Thailand's National Day marks four occasions: the National Day of the Kingdom, the birthday anniversary of the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej, Thailand's Father's Day and World Soil Day. "Thailand's National Day is a celebration of four important occasions," he said, highlighting the late king's contribution to sustainable soil and water management.
Sangrat also paid tribute to the Queen Mother. "Her Majesty was revered for her tireless work and lifelong dedication to improving the welfare of her people," he said. "Her Majesty's benevolence and grace will forever remain in the hearts of all Thais and will remain one of the guiding lights for us."
He said the government of Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul aims to pursue "a proactive and forward-looking diplomacy," adding that Thailand hopes to restore its "visibility on the global radar screen" while strengthening ties with South Korea. He described the relationship as "a multi-faceted and future-oriented strategic partnership."
Sangrat pointed to senior-level exchanges during South Korea's year as the APEC host economy. "Prime Minister Anutin and President Lee Jae-myung met on the sidelines of APEC and reaffirmed their shared commitment to forging ever closer political, security and economic cooperation," he said, including efforts to speed up negotiations on the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement.
Turning to cultural and social ties, he highlighted the Sawasdee Seoul 2025 Thai Festival, which drew more than 100,000 visitors in October, and noted the Thai community in South Korea has grown to over 170,000. He said newly formed community groups, including the Thai Women's Council and the Thai Cultural Council, will play a role in strengthening cultural collaboration.
The ambassador also outlined economic priorities, saying Thailand aims to raise bilateral trade from 15 billion to 30 billion US dollars and promote two-way investment. He cited this year's Ignite Thailand-Korea Business Forums in Seoul and Bangkok, as well as emerging academic partnerships in STEM and innovation involving institutions such as KAIST. (These details were stated by the ambassador.)
South Korea's Minister of Unification Chung Dong-young, attending as guest of honor, described Thailand as "a treasured friend that stood with the Republic of Korea during the Korean War." He said the two countries have maintained 67 years of diplomatic relations, adding that "last year alone, over two million citizens from both countries visited each other."
Chung also called Thailand "a crucial partner in strengthening cooperation between Korea and ASEAN." Addressing regional security, he said the Lee Jae-myung administration is "doing its utmost to open a new era of peaceful co-existence on the Korean Peninsula," adding that Seoul looks to Thailand and ASEAN "to encourage North Korea's participation in the international community."
He closed with a toast to the guests: "To the friendship and prosperity of our two nations, and to even closer cooperation in the future."
reporter
Park Sae-jin
swatchsjp@ajunews.com
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