South Korean embassy in Bangkok

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]

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

Since 2015, Korean pop groups and television dramas have surged in popularity in Thailand, to the extent that a phrase, "Korean wave" Thai: กระแสเกาหลี; RTGS: krasae 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

References

  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.