Thailand's Prime Minister Anutin in South Korea: APEC kickoff for new economic growth!

Thailand's Prime Minister Anutin in South Korea: APEC kickoff for new economic growth!

In an exciting week for the Thai economy, Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has just arrived in South Korea to attend the 32nd APEC Economic Leaders Conference. Accompanied by his wife and a high-level delegation consisting of the Ministers of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Anutin landed at Gimhae Air Base in Busan and was received there by Choe Hyoung-chan, director of the Korean National Diplomatic Academy. This is not just another conference, but Anutin's first participation in an international economic forum, which gives the occasion special significance. According to Line Today, a special dinner in honor of US President Donald Trump is already on the agenda, where APEC leaders will find a platform for exchange.

The topics of the upcoming discussions are as diverse as they are important: regional economic directions, trade, investment and sustainable development. The conference will take place on October 31 and November 1, 2025. Part of the discussions on the first day will be the topic “Towards a More Connected, Resilient Region and Beyond”. Here Thailand is committed to promoting cooperation in trade, investment and public-private partnerships. On the second day, under the theme “Preparing a Future–Ready Asia–Pacific,” Thailand will also advance trade and investment integration and key infrastructure connections. Anutin will also deliver a speech at the APEC CEO Summit 2025 and also hold bilateral talks with his counterparts to strengthen Thailand's relations and image on the global stage.

Finance ministers meet at the APEC conference

A foretaste of the upcoming APEC conference came in October when Ekniti Nitithanprapas, Thailand's deputy prime minister and finance minister, attended the 32nd APEC Finance Ministers' Conference in Incheon, South Korea. Pattaya Mail reported that the talks took place under the theme “Sustainable growth and shared prosperity in the region”. Burning topics such as persistent inflation, national debt and challenges posed by demographic change were discussed here. It also became clear that digital finance and the influence of artificial intelligence on small and medium-sized companies are an important point.

Ekniti presented several Thai initiatives, including the innovative PromptPay system and the Alternative Risk Information Score, which are intended to help improve access to financial services for disadvantaged communities. The minister also introduced the "3P approach" to fiscal management: Precision, Priorities and Partnerships - a strategy to help Thailand maintain fiscal discipline while supporting sustainable growth.

APEC: More than just an economic forum

APEC, founded in 1989, aims to promote prosperity through inclusive, sustainable and secure growth. The organization currently has 21 members, often referred to as "businesses" because their primary focus is on trade and economic issues. Joining APEC means addressing common challenges such as the impact of the global pandemic or geopolitical uncertainties. To this end, APEC is implementing various initiatives ranging from improving the business climate to supporting indigenous women in exports. What many people don't know: APEC works on the basis of a consensus model, which means that decisions are made together with all members.
More information about APEC can be found on their official page APEC.

These days in South Korea could prove crucial for Thailand's position in the international economy while opening new prospects for regional cooperation. We will be excited to see what measures and collaborations will be on the table after the conference and how Thailand will establish itself as an active player in the APEC discussion.