South Korea–Thailand relations

South Korea–Thailand relations are the bilateral relations between Republic of Korea and Kingdom of Thailand. The two countries established diplomatic relations on 1 October 1958.[1]

South Korean–Thai relations
Map indicating locations of South Korea and Thailand

South Korea

Thailand
Diplomatic mission
Embassy of South Korea, BangkokEmbassy of Thailand, Seoul
South Korean embassy in Bangkok

During the Korean War, Thailand was the second nation to send troops—a total of over 10,000—to support South Korea, just after the United States.[2] Thai casualties included 137 dead and more than 300 wounded.[2]

The Industry Ministry reported that Thailand and South Korea had trade value of US$11.7 billion in 2017.[3] As of 2020, 400 South Korean companies have invested in Thailand, and trade between Thailand and South Korea stands at around US$15 billion (470 billion baht) annually.[4]

Cultural relations

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Since 2015, Korean pop groups and television dramas have surged in popularity in Thailand, to the extent that a phrase, "Korean wave" Thai: กระแสเกาหลี; RTGSkrasae kaoli) has been coined to explain the phenomenon.[4] K-pop in particular has influenced Thai food, fashion, and interest in cosmetic surgery.[2]

See also

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References

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  1. ^ "50th Anniversary of the Establishment of Diplomatic Relations between Thailand and the Republic of Korea". Royal Thai Embassy, Seoul. Retrieved 18 September 2019.
  2. ^ a b c Chongkittavorn, Kavi (17 September 2019). "Thailand's going bananas for Korea" (Opinion). Bangkok Post. Retrieved 18 September 2019.
  3. ^ Apisitniran, Lamonphet (18 May 2018). "Thailand, S Korea agree to trade panel". Bangkok Post. Retrieved 18 September 2019.
  4. ^ a b Mala, Dumrongkiat (10 February 2020). "Dining on success of the Korean Wave". Bangkok Post. Retrieved 12 February 2020.