Kim Dongyeon Meets Thai Labor Minister for Third Time, Emphasizes Focus on Cooperation with Thailand

On May 15, Gyeonggi Province Governor Dongyeon Kim met with Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn, Minister of Labor of Thailand, at Dodamso (the former governor's residence) in Paldal-gu, Suwon, to discuss strengthening cooperation with Thailand, a key trade partner of Gyeonggi Province and a central nation in ASEAN, amid rising uncertainty in the international situation.

Governor Kim stated, "This is my third meeting with Minister Phiphat," and added, "In Korea, we say that the first meeting is by chance, the second is destiny, and the third is a meaningful connection. I am truly delighted to have built such a deep relationship with the Minister."

He continued, "Thailand is an important partner for both the Republic of Korea and Gyeonggi Province. In the current climate of international uncertainty, relationships with reliable and like-minded partners have become even more valuable. In particular, Thailand is at the heart of the Indochina Peninsula and is the second-largest economy in ASEAN, making it a highly reliable and excellent partner."

He further explained, "During my tenure as Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs, I chaired the ASEAN Finance Ministers' Meeting and actively promoted Korea's New Southern Policy. At that time, I placed great importance on expanding cooperation with ASEAN, including Thailand. As Governor of Gyeonggi Province, I maintain the same perspective and am focusing on strengthening cooperative relations with ASEAN countries, including Thailand."

Gyeonggi Province regards Thailand as a central economic partner in ASEAN and a key country for cooperation. The province operates the Gyeonggi Business Center (GBC) in Bangkok and supports local companies' entry into the Thai market through events such as G-Fair and the K-Beauty Expo. In April 2024, the Gyeonggi Tourism Organization also opened its first overseas representative office in Thailand, marking the first such initiative by a local tourism organization.

Gyeonggi Province Governor Dongyeon Kim is taking a commemorative photo with Pipat Rachanitprakan, Minister of Labor of Thailand, at Dodamso, the former governor's residence in Paldal-gu, Suwon, on the 15th. Provided by Gyeonggi Province

Governor Kim also stated, "Thai residents living in Gyeonggi Province are not only residents but also our valued neighbors. We will strive to create a community where we live together in harmony, with special care and consideration. I believe Gyeonggi Province's efforts, such as establishing Korea's first Department of Immigration and Multicultural Affairs, represent a meaningful first step toward becoming a true partner with Thailand."

Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn responded, "The fact that we have met three times demonstrates that we are not only partners but also maintain a friendly relationship. Diplomatic relations between Korea and Thailand have also continued for about 60 years. I ask for your continued interest and support for all Thai people, not only Thai workers living in Gyeonggi Province."

Minister Phiphat visited Korea to attend the APEC Labor and Employment Ministers' Meeting held in Jeju.

Previously, in 2023, which marked the 65th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Korea and Thailand and the Korea-Thailand Mutual Visit Year (2023-2024), Governor Kim met with Minister Phiphat, who was then the Minister of Tourism and Sports of Thailand, to discuss revitalizing mutual tourism exchanges. After Minister Phiphat was appointed as Minister of Labor, they met for a second time in March of last year and signed a Record of Discussion (ROD) focusing on converting skilled worker visas to expand employment of Thai nationals in the province, as well as labor management measures to prevent illegal stays of Thai nationals in Korea.

Currently, approximately 58,000 Thai nationals reside in Gyeonggi Province, accounting for about 30% of all Thai residents in Korea. Of these, about 13,000 are working in industrial sectors.

In July 2023, Gyeonggi Province established the nation's first Department of Immigration and Multicultural Affairs to strengthen foreign resident policies. The province plans to develop a comprehensive immigration policy to promote employment stability for foreign workers, support for settlement, improvement of working conditions, and guarantee of basic rights, with these as core policy tasks.