16 July 2026 – H.E. Ms. Prinat Apirat, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Thailand to ASEAN, delivered a congratulatory remarks at the 2026 ASEAN–ROK Regional Connectivity Forum, organised by the Mission of the Republic of Korea to ASEAN in collaboration with the Korea Institute for International Economic Policy (KIEP). The Forum was held under the theme "Strengthening Supply Chain Resilience and Advancing the ASEAN–Korea Free Trade Area (AKFTA) Upgrade in a Changing Global Economy."

In her remarks, Ambassador Prinat reaffirmed Thailand's commitment, in its capacity as the Country Coordinator for ASEAN–ROK Dialogue Relations, to working closely with other ASEAN Member States and the Republic of Korea to advance regional connectivity under the ASEAN–ROK Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP) and the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific (AOIP). She underscored the importance of implementing the ASEAN Connectivity Strategic Plan (ACSP) and modernising the ASEAN–Korea Free Trade Area (AKFTA) to strengthen resilient, diversified, and trusted supply chains amid an evolving global economy.

The Forum brought together representatives from ASEAN Member States, the ASEAN Secretariat, the Republic of Korea, the private sector, and academia to exchange views on enhancing ASEAN–ROK connectivity cooperation and fostering a future-oriented economic partnership. The two sides launched negotiation to upgrade the AKFTA in July 2026 with a goal to reach its conclusion by 2027.