Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sihasak Phuangketkeow on 22 July 2026 held bilateral meetings with Ms. Kaja Kallas, the High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the European Commission, and with Mr. Cho Hyun, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Korea.

The meetings took place on the sidelines of the 59th ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting and Related Meetings in Manila, the Philippines.

The Deputy Prime Minister discussed with Ms. Kallas ways to deepen cooperation across all areas with a view to advancing Thailand - EU relations toward a strategic partnership amid growing global challenges. 

The discussions covered security and strategic cooperation, people-to-people connectivity, and both sides reaffirmed their commitment to concluding the Thailand–EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA) negotiations at the earliest opportunity. 

The Thai side also welcomed the EU’s approval of the visa cascade scheme, which will enable eligible Thai ordinary passport holders with a good travel record to obtain Schengen visas with longer validity. The two sides also exchanged views on regional issues, including the situation in Myanmar and the Thailand - Cambodia border situation.

Concerning discussions between Mr. Sihasak and the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Korea, both sides reaffirmed their commitment to further advancing the Thailand–Republic of Korea Strategic Partnership across all areas. 

They agreed to strengthen cooperation on security, particularly in combating transnational crime and online scams, through closer law enforcement cooperation, capacity-building, and also discussed cooperation in the defense industry.

Both sides looked forward to more exchange of high-level visits and discussed enhancing economic cooperation, including expediting negotiations on the Thailand–Republic of Korea Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA).

The two sides also exchanged views on regional issues, including the situation in Myanmar and the Thailand-Cambodia situation. The Republic of Korea appreciated Thailand’s role as ASEAN-Republic of Korea Country Coordinator, while the Thai side expressed commitment to continued close collaboration in this regard.