Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has reaffirmed Thailand’s commitment to strengthening economic and security cooperation with China during her first official visit to China, while also seeking to reassure Chinese tourists regarding their safety in the kingdom.
Strengthening cultural and economic cooperation
Meeting at the Great Hall of the People, Paetongtarn extended Lunar New Year greetings to Chinese President Xi Jinping and highlighted the long-standing economic relationship between the two nations. Paetongtarn, noted that her family can trace its lineage to Guangdong, China, highlighted her Chinese ancestry.
China has been Thailand’s top trading partner for 12 consecutive years, with Chinese investments in Thailand exceeding US$100 billion. Both leaders underscored their commitment to strengthening economic collaboration, particularly in infrastructure, digital economy, and regional trade.
The Thai Cabinet recently approved the second phase of the high-speed railway connecting Thailand with China via Lao PDR, a key project in Beijing’s Belt and Road Initiative. The prime minister reiterated Thailand’s commitment to advancing the railway’s construction to enhance regional connectivity.
Addressing safety concerns for Chinese tourists
In a bid to allay safety concerns among Chinese nationals, the Thai premier also emphasized her personal involvement in reviewing security protocols.
“Thai people always come to China and feel at home, so I hope that Chinese people can come to Thailand and feel at home as well,” Paetongtarn told China Daily on February 6th, 2025. She added, “I looked into all the security measures myself. I talked to the police, I talked to the military, and everybody involved to be able to take care of everybody that wants to come to Thailand.”
Chinese tourists are by far the largest group of foreign visitors to Thailand, with about 6.7 million arrivals in 2024. However, security concerns have surged following the abduction of a Chinese actor in Thailand in January, who was later rescued from a scam center in Myanmar.
To combat transnational crime, Thailand recently suspended electricity supplies to several Myanmar border areas linked to scam operations. Chinese President Xi Jinping commended the Thai government’s efforts, according to Paetongtarn’s office.
Thailand and China, together with other concerned countries in the region, have also pledged to deepen cooperation in tackling online scams and suppressing transnational crimes as well as call center scams.
Celebrating 50 years of diplomatic relations
Marking the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Thailand and China, Paetongtarn wore a commemorative badge and expressed her appreciation for the long-standing partnership. She also highlighted ongoing cultural exchanges, including the temporary enshrining of Buddha’s Holy Tooth Relic in Bangkok’s Sanam Luang ceremonial grounds. The sacred relic is normally kept at Beijing’s Lingguang temple.
Paetongtarn also attended the opening ceremony of the 9th Asian Winter Games in Harbin, where she promoted Thai sports like Muay Thai while expressing enthusiasm for winter sports. “Sports are an essential part of culture, a key element of a nation’s soft power, and a bridge that strengthens the friendship between Thailand and China,” she said.
As she wrapped up her visit, Paetongtarn expressed hope for a stronger bilateral relationship, saying Thai and Chinese people are like a family, with close interactions, smooth communication, similar cultures, and mutual support.
Teerin Julsawad