Message from Ambassador Tanee Sangrat

On the occasion of Assumption of Duty as Ambassador of Thailand to the Republic of Korea 

Annyoenghaseyo, Greetings to the fellow Thai community in the Republic of Korea (ROK)

And warmest greetings to all South Korean citizens across the public and private sectors.

My wife and I arrived in the ROK on 21 April 2024. And today, I have already presented the copy of credentials to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the ROK.

Thailand and the ROK’s close and cordial relationship took root when Thailand deployed troops under the United Nations Command, standing side by side with people of the ROK during the Korean War between 1950-1953. Thailand’s cordiality hitherto remains cherished by the ROK and its people. Since 1958, Thailand and the ROK have established diplomatic relations in which both nations are celebrating the 65^th Anniversary of the bilateral relationship this year.

As Ambassador of Thailand to the ROK, I commit to continue existing duties, initiate new missions, and strengthen all dimensions of the Thailand-ROK relationship as strategic partners. On political front, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of both nations and I will push forward high-level exchange within this year, specifically the official visit of Thai Prime Minister H.E. Mr. Srettha Thavisin to the ROK. Moreover, I aim to promote economic, consular, and cultural relationship and partnership through cooperation of “3P” strategy; “Advance Investments Promotion, Enhance Consular Protection, Promote Soft Power”. This strategy includes (1) EP (Economic Promotion) to create trade and investment opportunity and business network expansion in order to generate trade and investment growth between the two nations; (2) CP (Consular Protection) to improve consular services, to strengthen Thai community in the ROK as well as to provide protection for all Thais in the ROK, especially to improve consular services me more convenient and efficient, to encourage Thai migrant workers to work legally in the ROK and to encourage the ROK’s government to re-launch voluntary departure scheme for immigrants with illegal status; (3) SP (Soft Power) to promote Thailand through cultural exchange activities which will help increase awareness of Thailand’s unique cultural identity in the international community in line with the Thai Government’s plan to promote 11 elements of Thailand’s Soft Power, such as festivals, cuisine and Muay Thai martial arts. The Royal Thai Embassy to the ROK, therefore, is scheduled to hold Sawasdee Seoul Thai Festival in Seoul in the third quarter this year. The purpose of this festival is to present Thai culinary, products and culture as well as other creative industries which will help boost Thailand’s economy further.

Lastly, please allow me to extend blessings and wishes to our Thai community, South Korean companions, and friends in the wider global community happiness and health. I strongly hope for opportunities to meet and converse with all of you at the Embassy’s events or those held by our Thai community or friends in the ROK. I am also eager to provide any needed assistance and look forward to your cooperation in the future.

Kamsahamnida

Tanee Sangrat

Ambassador of Thailand to the Republic of Korea

2 May 2024