30-3-2024 (SEOUL) Defence Minister Sutin Klungsang concluded his official visit to South Korea on Saturday after discussing bilateral cooperation in the arms industry with his South Korean counterpart, Defence Minister Shin Won-sik.
During their meeting at the Ministry of National Defence in Seoul, Sutin expressed Thailand’s keen interest in collaborating with the Defence Acquisition Programme Administration (DAPA) to enhance Thailand’s defence industry, according to a source familiar with the matter.
Sutin was quoted as saying, “The Defence Ministry is particularly interested in cooperating with DAPA, and we anticipate mutual benefits for both countries in promoting the defence industry.”
The Thai defence chief commended the significant potential of South Korea’s defence industry, with DAPA playing a pivotal role. He highlighted the existing defence cooperation between the two countries, including Thailand’s procurement of frigates and combat aircraft from South Korea, as well as South Korea’s participation in the annual Cobra Gold military exercise hosted by Thailand.
Established in 2006 under the Ministry of National Defence, DAPA serves as the executive branch of the South Korean government responsible for overseeing defence capability improvement projects, munitions procurement, and the development of defence industries.
During the meeting, South Korea’s Defence Minister expressed gratitude to Thailand’s Little Tigers battalion, which provided assistance and defended the South during the Korean War from 1950 to 1953. He credited their bravery for bringing peace to the Korean peninsula and contributing to South Korea’s prosperity.
In return, Sutin conveyed Thailand’s appreciation and continuous commitment to peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula. He also mentioned his visit aimed at exploring potential opportunities for arms industry cooperation, including visits to major defence companies in South Korea.
Shin extended an invitation to Sutin to participate in the Seoul Defence Dialogue scheduled for September and the defence ministerial meeting of UN Command member states, which South Korea will host in November.
During his visit, Sutin also paid a visit to the UN Command, where he received a warm welcome from its commander, General Paul LaCamera. General LaCamera expressed gratitude to Thailand for consistently dispatching soldiers to serve at the UN Command. Sutin had the opportunity to meet with Thai soldiers stationed at the command and expressed his appreciation to the commander for their support and training.
