Launching Ceremony and Press Conference
8 April 2008 Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Press Release

On 1 October 2008, Kingdom of Thailand and Republic of Korea will celebrate the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations. Both sides will hold a number of events and activities throughout the year 2008 to commemorate this auspicious occasion, as well as to strengthen the foundation for a closer cooperation in the years to come.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Thailand and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade of the Republic of Korea have jointly selected an official logo for these celebrations. The logo is composed of a gold number "5" in the Thai style, representing prosperity, while the number "0" uses the "Dynamic Korea" logo. The theme of the celebrations is "50 Years’ Friendship for the Future" or in Thai "Sarnsaiyai Thai-Kaoli Tai dai hasip pi Su Anakot"

Thailand and the Republic of Korea have agreed to hold the launching ceremony and press conference in their respective capitals in a similar timeframe i.e. at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade of Korea on 7 April and at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Thailand on 8 April 2008. Presiding over both events will be the Permanent Secretary or Vice Minister and Ambassador of the respective countries.

Key events that the Thai side will hold in the Republic of Korea on 1 October 2008 include a joint concert involving artists from both Thailand and Korea followed by a reception, a cultural performance and traditional wooden puppet show, commemorative postage stamps, a seminar on trade and investment, the unveiling of a memorial monument to Thai soldiers who lost their lives during the Korean War, and a visit to Korea by Korean War veterans from Thailand. In addition, there will be a science camp for Thai and Korean youth in Thailand.

In arranging the events and activities celebrating 50 years of diplomatic relations throughout the year 2008, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has received excellent cooperation from the Embassy of the Republic of Korea, the private sector and educational institutions. The calendar of events is attached herewith.

Additional information and updates regarding the events and activities of the celebrations can be viewed at website www.mfa.go.th. For further information or permission to utilize the official logo, interested parties can contact the address below:

Korea Section, Division IV, Department of East Asian Affairs,
Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Sri Ayudhaya Road, Bangkok 10400
Tel: 02-643-5209–10 Fax: 02-643-5208

Presentation at the Launching Ceremony

Historical Relations

• In the late 14th century, Siamese envoys were granted an audience by King Kongyang of the Koryo Kingdom. However, sea pirates killed all members of a second delegation from Siam and put an end to this promising start to diplomatic relations.

• It was not until November 1950 that official contact was re-established. Thailand was one of the first countries to send troops to defend the fledging Republic of Korea during the Korean War. Over one thousand were killed or wounded in action.

• On 1 October 1958, Thailand and the Republic of Korea issued a joint communiqué establishing formal diplomatic relations. The Royal Thai Embassy in Seoul was established in 1960.

Major Activities and Events by the Thai Side

• Performance by the Bangkok Symphony Orchestra (BSO), accompanied by Korean musicians, on 1 October 2008 as part of a joint concert and reception in Seoul.

• Traditional small puppet play by the Joe Louis Theatre Troupe in Seoul.

• Joint issue of commemorative stamps by Thailand Post and Korea Post.

• Seminar on Trade and Investment in Seoul.

• War Memorial to Thai Soldiers at the United Nations Memorial Cemetery (UNMCK) in Busan.

• Visit of Thai Korean War veterans to Korea.

• Science Camp on biodiversity at Sakaerat Environmental Research Station in Nakon Ratchasrima province.