South korea: South Korean President Lee Jae-myung congratulated Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul on his appointment in a phone call Thursday, praising Thailand's economic prospects. The call took place while the Thai premier was in Laos.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Lee expressed gratitude to Thailand, an ally since the Korean War, for its longstanding friendship and welcomed Mr. Anutin's confirmation that he will attend the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Economic Leaders' Meeting in South Korea later this month. The two leaders agreed to enhance their strategic partnership, setting an ambitious goal to double bilateral trade and investment from $15 billion to $30 billion. Mr. Anutin urged a swift conclusion to the ongoing Free Trade Agreement (FTA) negotiations.
The Thai leader welcomed rising Korean investment, including a project for the country's first Korean industrial estate, and sought cooperation in key sectors such as clean energy and digital technology. President Lee, later posting on X, called for a speedy conclusion to a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) and acknowledged Thailand as a strategic partner and a top destination for Korean tourists.
The leaders also agreed on full cooperation to combat cross-border online scam rings, with Mr. Anutin pledging Thailand's support for the effort.