Ho Chi Minh City, September 18, 2025 – The 13th Mekong – Republic of Korea (ROK) Business Forum concluded on September 15th, solidifying Thailand’s strategic focus on leveraging digitalization and innovation as key drivers of economic growth within the Mekong region. The event, co-hosted by Vietnam and South Korea, underscored the importance of public-private partnerships in fostering sustainable and integrated economic development. This expansion of trade and cooperation within the Mekong region is a critical response to shifting global economic power and addresses vulnerabilities exposed by recent geopolitical instability.
The forum, themed “Digitalization and Innovation: A Catalyst for Mekong – ROK Business Transformation and Cooperation,” drew over 150 participants representing businesses, government agencies, and research institutions from Thailand, South Korea, Vietnam, and other Mekong countries. Key activities centered around three principal areas: streamlining digital trade processes, exploring smart logistics opportunities, and facilitating localized cooperation in the field of digitalization and innovation. The emphasis on practical, actionable strategies reflects a deliberate shift away from broad pronouncements towards tangible outcomes – a factor increasingly prioritized by ROK investors.
Thailand’s participation, led by Deputy Director-General of the Department of International Economic Affairs, Mrs. Salinee Phonprapai, reflects a sustained commitment to integrating itself more fully within the Southeast Asian economic landscape. “Thailand recognizes the immense potential offered by the digital economy,” stated Dr. Anupong Wattanachai, Director of the International Institute for Trade and Development, speaking at a panel discussion. “Our goal is not simply to adopt Korean technology, but to adapt and refine it to suit the specific needs and characteristics of the Mekong region, particularly in sectors like agriculture and tourism.” Recent data from the Bank of Thailand indicates a 35% increase in digital transaction volumes within the country over the past year – a metric heavily influenced by government initiatives promoting e-commerce and digital financial services.
The event’s structure, including business matching sessions and a product exhibition, aimed to accelerate these collaborations. Representatives from Thailand’s Joint Standing Committee on Commerce, Industry, and Banking were integral to these interactions. However, challenges remain. “The success of this forum hinges on addressing infrastructural gaps,” cautioned Professor Kim Min-soo of Seoul National University, a specialist in Mekong regional development. “Reliable internet access, particularly in rural areas, and a skilled workforce capable of adapting to new technologies are prerequisites for realizing the full potential of this cooperation.” Discussions highlighted a need for greater investment in digital literacy programs and the development of robust cybersecurity frameworks – concerns mirrored by the ROK’s own experiences navigating increasingly complex geopolitical risks.
Looking ahead, the immediate impact of the forum is likely to be the formation of several pilot projects focused on smart logistics and cross-border e-commerce. Long-term, Thailand’s participation aligns with a broader strategy of attracting foreign investment in high-tech sectors, fostering innovation clusters, and securing its position as a regional hub for digital services. The success of this strategy, however, will depend on sustained government support, private sector engagement, and continued efforts to mitigate potential risks associated with technological disruption and global economic uncertainty. The ROK’s own experience in adapting to technological advancements and managing geopolitical dependencies offer a valuable case study for Thailand to consider.
The Mekong-ROK Business Forum represents more than just a trade event; it’s a microcosm of the evolving dynamics within the Indo-Pacific region – a region characterized by increasing competition, shifting alliances, and an urgent need for nations to adapt to a rapidly changing world. The focus on digitalization presents both a strategic opportunity and a considerable challenge for Thailand, one it will undoubtedly continue to pursue with significant investment and diplomatic engagement.