On 28 October 2026, H.E. Mr. Sihasak Phuangketkeow, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, delivered a keynote speech at the 14th Mekong-Republic of Korea (ROK) Business Forum. The Forum was held under the theme “Strengthening Mekong-ROK Economic Cooperation through AI-driven Innovation,” co-hosted by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Korea (ROK). On this occasion, H.E. Ms. Eui-hae Chung, Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs of the ROK; Mr. Phot Aramwattananont, Chairman of the Joint Standing Committee on Commerce, Industry and Banking (JSCCIB); and Mr. Sang Jun Lee, Vice Chairman of the Korea International Trade Association (KITA), also delivered remarks at the opening ceremony.

The Deputy Prime Minister highlighted the importance of promoting Mekong-ROK cooperation to address geopolitical uncertainties and rapid technological changes. The Deputy Prime Minister also stressed on harnessing artificial intelligence (AI), promoting economic security and resilience, research and development cooperation, and capacity building as well as AI governance to support the green transition.

The Forum aimed to promote strategic cooperation by driving development through artificial intelligence (AI). Discussions focused on three key areas, namely, AI policy and governance, AI-based smart healthcare and innovation, and sustainable development as well as addressing regional shared challenges.

The Forum also featured a business matching session aimed at fostering trade and investment ties among enterprises from Thailand, the Republic of Korea, and the Mekong countries. The session provided a platform for small and medium-sized enterprises and start-ups to explore business partnerships in key sectors, including digital technology, healthcare and medical technology, food and agriculture, and energy infrastructure. A total of 34 enterprises from Mekong-ROK member countries participated in the session. There were approximately 120 participants, comprising senior officials and members of the diplomatic corps, as well as representatives from the relevant government agencies and the private sector, and leading universities from Thailand, the Mekong countries and the Republic of Korea.