On the sidelines of the APEC the 2025 APEC Economic Leaders’ Week in Gyeongju, Republic of Korea, Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul held bilateral discussions with three leaders, namely His Majesty the Sultan of Brunei, the President of the People’s Republic of China, and the President of the Republic of Korea.

On 31 October, during the audience with His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah, Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam, the Prime Minister reaffirmed Thailand’s readiness to enhance cooperation with Brunei in trade and investment, human resource development, public health, food security, particularly the halal industry, and sustainable development. He also expressed appreciation for Brunei’s participation in the Interim Observer Team related to the Thai-Cambodian border situation.

In his discussion with Mr. Xi Jinping, President of the People’s Republic of China on 31 October, Prime Minister Anutin stressed the continuation and strengthening of bilateral relations, especially as Thailand and China celebrate the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations this year. The discussion covered cooperation in the areas of trade, investment, tourism, innovation, science and technology, and people-to-people ties, as well as the progress of the Thailand-China Rail Project and joint efforts to combat online scam networks. 

The Prime Minister also welcomed the signing of the 3.0 ASEAN-China Free Trade Agreement (FTA), which focuses on future economy, digital economy, and green economy. Most importantly, he expressed appreciation to China for maintaining neutrality in the Thai-Cambodian border tensions.

Previously, on 30 October, Prime Minister Anutin held a bilateral meeting with Mr. Lee Jae Myung, President of the Republic of Korea. The two leaders were pleased to hold an in-person meeting for the first time, following the ROK President’s congratulatory phone call to the Prime Minister two weeks ago. The Prime Minister reiterated his appreciation for the President’s friendship and invited him to pay a visit to Thailand, to which the President accepted to do so at the first opportunity.

On this occasion, both sides agreed to drive forward cooperation on trade and investment. Special emphasis was given to expediting conclusion of the Thailand-ROK FTA, and boosting the ROK’s investment in Thailand. The Prime Minister reaffirmed his readiness to take care of Korean investors, such as KakaoBank’s license to open a virtual bank in Thailand, and LH’s project to establish the first Korean industrial estate in Thailand. He also expressed readiness to personally meet with Korean investors in Thailand to discuss opportunities and obstacles. Both sides also discussed cooperation in the defense industry.

Moreover, the ROK President expressed concern regarding Thai tourists being denied entry into the ROK, as most Thai nationals travel there with honest intentions. The Prime Minister requested the ROK to consider increasing employment opportunities for Thai citizens in the ROK, as part of a solution to this issue.