- Negotiations
The government of South Korea and nine members of the Association of South-East Asian Nations (Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, and Vietnam) signed an FTA together in May 2006, which took effect in July 2006.
Due to concerns about agriculture, particularly the deal’s provisions on rice and livestock, Thailand negotiated separate arrangements with the Korean government to join the pact in early 2009. Korea is also interested in a separate, higher level FTA with Malaysia.
last update: May 2012
Photo: Joe Mabel / CC BY-SA 3.0
27-Oct-2025
Yonhap News Agency
South Korea will "swiftly" commence talks with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) to discuss upgrading the free trade agreement (FTA) the two sides signed nearly 20 years ago, as part of efforts to expand their bilateral trade.
14-Oct-2025
Bangkok Post
Thailand hopes to complete free trade agreement talks with South Korea by the end of this year, according to Commerce Minister Suphajee Suthumpun.
25-Sep-2025
Business Korea
As the U.S.-initiated trade war intensifies pressure on Korea’s key export industries such as automobiles and steel, the government is accelerating its efforts to conclude negotiations for a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) with Thailand as early as this month, aiming to pioneer new markets.
24-Sep-2025
The Star
The Asean-Korea Free Trade Agreement (AKFTA) will be upgraded and its scope is being finalised, says Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz.
1-Sep-2025
The Vibes
Malaysia and South Korea have reaffirmed their shared commitment to concluding a long-anticipated Free Trade Agreement (FTA), with the formal signing expected at the upcoming ASEAN Leaders’ Summit in October.
19-Aug-2025
Business Today
Malaysia has completed negotiations for a free trade agreement (FTA) with South Korea, aiming to sign it in October. This reflects Malaysia’s efforts to expand market access amid global uncertainties, with 18 FTAs already in place.
22-Jul-2025
The Korea Times
Korea and Thailand were set to kick off their intersessional negotiations for a bilateral economic partnership agreement, as the two sides seek to expand economic ties amid global trade uncertainties, Seoul’s industry ministry said.
23-Jun-2025
Yonhap
Korean President and Malaysian Prime Minister agreed to work together to expand bilateral cooperation in a "mutually beneficial and substantive" manner, including efforts to conclude a free trade pact.
10-Jun-2025
Yonhap
South Korea and Thailand are set to kick off their sixth round of negotiations for a bilateral economic partnership agreement.
13-May-2025
Yonhap
South Korea and Malaysia were set to hold their ninth round of negotiations for a bilateral free trade agreement, as the two sides seek to broaden their trade portfolio and enhance cooperation.
