On 29 August 2025, H.E. Mr. Tanee Sangrat, Ambassador of Thailand to the Republic of Korea, in his capacity as the Acting Chair of the ASEAN Committee in Seoul (ACS), led the ACS delegation in a meeting with Mr. Kim Jeong Do, Acting Commissioner of the Korea Immigration Service. The meeting aimed to discuss immigration-related issues as well as to promote the rights and welfare of foreign workers in the Republic of Korea. Ambassadors of Vietnam and Indonesia, representatives from other ASEAN embassies in Seoul, and the Ambassador of Timor-Leste were present at the meeting.

Ambassador Tanee provided an overview of the immigration and residency issues concerning ASEAN nationals residing in the Republic of Korea. The Ambassador also raised key issues pertaining to Thailand, such as the Voluntary Departure Program, the expansion of the labor quota for Thai workers, the promotion of visa status transition from E-9 to E-7-4, the enhancement of Korean language skills for Thai workers, and the significance of non-discrimination, human rights, and workplace safety for Thai workers. Furthermore, the Ambassador emphasized the development of the K-ETA system to improve screening processes and reduce entry denials, which have affected South Korea's image and bilateral relations.

The Ambassador expressed appreciation to the Korea Immigration Service for their continued cooperation in safeguarding Thai nationals residing in the ROK and affirmed that this meeting is testimony to the strong ties between ASEAN member states and the ROK, showing the commitment to continued collaboration in the future.

As of 31 July 2025, there were 171,532 Thai nationals residing in the Republic of Korea, a decrease from over 200,000 in 2023.