The Prime Minister held bilateral discussions with the President of South Korea.

PM holds bilateral talks with South Korean President to enhance cooperation for mutual benefit Ms. Paethongtarn Shinawatra, Prime Minister, held bilateral discussions with Mr. Yoon Suk Yeol, President of the Republic of Korea, emphasizing that South Korea is an important strategic country, ready to enhance cooperation for mutual benefits, and inviting the South Korean leader and his wife to visit Thailand. Mr. Jirayu Huangsap, spokesman of the Prime Minister's Office, summarized the gist of the discussion as follows: Thailand and South Korea emphasize economic cooperation. Both countries welcome the negotiation of the Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) to facilitate investors of both parties. The target is to conclude the negotiation by the end of 2025. There are also several joint investment projects, such as Hyundai's project to invest in setting up an electric and combustion vehicle production base in Thailand, which will attract small companies from South Korea to invest more in Thailand. In terms of the content and soft power industry, the Thai government is establishing the Thailand Creative Culture Agency (THACCA) in the hope of learning from the experience of South Korea's KOCCA to develop Thailand's content industry and creative economy. The Prime Minister praised the progress in clean energy and nuclear energy, which Thailand places importance on reducing global warming and aims to continue various cooperation projects, especially in the clean energy industry. Thailand is interested in cooperation with South Korea in nuclear energy, which may start with studying Small Modular Reactor (SMR) technology and ways to create understanding with the public. Thailand is ready to invest in electric vehicles (EV) and hybrid vehicles (HEV). South Korean investors can take advantage of this opportunity and invest more in Thailand. Mr. Jirayu added that the South Korean President admired the work of (THACCA) and was ready to cooperate on soft power between each other, including allowing Thai workers to work in South Korea legally, in accordance with the needs of the South Korean labor market. He also believes that Thailand will be able to become a leader in the electric vehicle industry in the region in the near future. Both sides are also pleased on the occasion of the 35th anniversary of the establishment of ASEAN-South Korea relations. Thailand has elevated the relationship to a comprehensive strategic partnership and has assumed the role of ASEAN-South Korea coordinator, ready to continue to support South Korea's constructive role. South Korea has cooperation in water management under the Mekong River Basin framework, and Thailand hopes to further strengthen cooperation in this area with South Korea in the future. Source: Thai News Agency