The Delegation from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) led by Mr. Jong Tong Hak, Director-General of the Department of Information, visited Thailand on 6-8 May 2015. The visit is part of the annual exchange programme of visit between the Departments of Information of the two countries, which has been ongoing since 1992. The programme aims at strengthening and promoting relations between information officers of the two countries. In addition, this year marks the 40th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Thailand and the DPRK.

During the visit, the DPRK delegation met with Mr. Sek Wannamethee, Director General of the Department  of Information and Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Thailand, on 7 May 2558. Mr. Wannamethee emphasized the importance of cooperation between the two countries in the field of information as well as tourism, culture and sports with a view to enhance the people-to-people relations between the two countries. Mr. Jong, Head of DPRK delegation, expressed his appreciation for Thailand’s warm hospitality and emphasized Thailand’s central role in the Asia-Pacific region and its leading role in ASEAN. He also stressed that the exchange programme of visit has helped in fostering the good relations between the two countries and that the DPRK wishes to learn from Thailand’s successful development of its tourism industry.

In addition, on 8 May 2015 which coincides with the 40th anniversary of Thai - DPRK diplomatic relations, Mr. Suvat Chirapant, Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Thailand, hosted a lunch in honour of the DPRK delegation as well as to celebrate the landmark occasion. He also informed the delegation that H.E. Mr. Don Pramudwinai, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, would lead a goodwill delegation to visit the DPRK on 11-14 May 2015 during which a Thai cultural troupe would perform in Pyongyang to celebrate this special occasion.