MK socksaerial photo taken on March 29, 2023 shows an elevated track, still under construction as part of the Thai-Chinese Bangkok-Nong Khai high-speed railway project, in Nakhon Ratchasima Province. Photo: VCG" src="https://www.globaltimes.cn/Portals/0/attachment/2025/2025-02-16/5ad70192-e87f-4284-891a-2ffe2d092b60.jpeg" />

This aerial photo taken on March 29, 2023 shows an elevated track, still under construction as part of the Thai-Chinese Bangkok-Nong Khai high-speed railway project, in Nakhon Ratchasima Province. Photo: VCG

Editor's Note:

This year marks the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Thailand, as well as the Golden Jubilee of China-Thailand Friendship. Recently, Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra visited China and expressed her willingness to work with the Chinese side to open a new chapter of closer Thailand-China relations. Global Times (GT) reporter Qian Jiayin interviewed Korn Dabbaransi (Dabbaransi), former deputy prime minister of Thailand and current president of the Thai-Chinese Friendship Association, to discuss the friendship between China and Thailand over the past 50 years and how to deepen future cooperation.

GT: As a witness and promoter of the China-Thailand friendship, how do you evaluate the development of bilateral relations over the past five decades? 

Dabbaransi:Over the past thousand years, the sentiment of "China and Thailand are one family" has been deeply rooted in the hearts and souls of the Thai and Chinese peoples. This mutual inside emotion has been the most important driving force that brings good relations between the two countries, in spite of the official diplomatic relations that are only 50 years old.

In the past 50 years, I visited China 161 times and met with multiple Chinese leaders. I can confidently say that the mutual understanding between our governments and peoples, on various topics of mutual interest, has been established.

From my firsthand experience, China's economic development has driven the development of China-Thailand relations. Since the successful launch of China's reform and opening-up policy in 1978, many major cities in China have achieved economic prosperity. In addition to Shenzhen, the most successful economic pioneers, such as Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Hangzhou, Chengdu and Wuhan, have also made meaningful contributions to China's prosperity today.

Furthermore, recently, the cooperation between our two governments has become closer. China has become Thailand's largest source of foreign investment. According to a recent joint statement between China and Thailand, to promote investment, Thailand is willing to establish long-term investment partnerships with China in areas including capital market connectivity and facilitation of the cross-border financial products, and R&D cooperation with China, particularly in future-oriented, innovative, and advanced industries, such as artificial intelligence, health care, environmental industry, and electric vehicles. Over the past two years, China has submitted 588 investment projects totaling $7 billion. For example, the Thai-Chinese Rayong industrial zone has attracted nearly 250 Chinese enterprises, covering various industries and fields, creating about 50,000 jobs, and promoting regional economic and employment growth.

GT: As a flagship project of Belt and Road cooperation between the two countries, the second phase of the  China-Thailand High-Speed Railway has recently been officially approved. How will it promote economic development and connectivity in China, Thailand and Southeast Asia? In which areas do you look forward to further economic and trade cooperation between China and Thailand?

Dabbaransi:The first phase of the China-Thailand Railway, connecting Bangkok to Nakhon Ratchasima, has progressed by over one-third, with the second phase from Nakhon Ratchasima to Nong Khai having completed its design work. The entire line is scheduled to commence operations in 2030.

Once the high-speed train links are established, both tourism and trade traffic will reach new heights. The completion of the China-Thailand high-speed rail will inject new momentum into Thailand's economic and social development and regional connectivity.

Connectivity between China and Thailand will likewise boost tourism. Currently, both official offices of trade and tourism should collaborate with their respective private sectors to prepare new packages for tourists from both sides. The Tourism Authority of Thailand will host activities related to the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Thailand throughout the year. For example, during the Chinese New Year, Thailand held grand celebrations nationwide, aiming to make Thailand a destination for global tourists who love the Spring Festival. Meanwhile, China has implemented a visa-free policy for ASEAN tourist groups entering Xishuangbanna, a popular tourist destination in Southwest China's Yunnan Province.

Another mutually beneficial sector is digital and online networks. As this sector grows rapidly and becomes borderless, it presents a great opportunity for both sides to collaborate as partners in these future technological endeavors. 

GT: In your view, through what means can we further promote cultural exchanges between China and Thailand? 

Dabbaransi:I believe that both sides should mutually support youth exchanges in sports, education and culture to promote China-Thailand cultural exchanges. I have personally led these groups to China on many occasions. In the aforementioned three fields, it is necessary for both government and private institutions to increase programs, providing opportunities for young generations from both sides to meet and exchange. I must commend China's efforts in this regard.

Last year, the Guangxi People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries invited friendship associations from ASEAN countries to bring groups of students from 10 ASEAN nations to Nanning for a week. This program allowed students from ASEAN countries to meet and establish friendly contacts with their Chinese counterparts. I believe this is an excellent opportunity for the younger generation of the 11 countries to establish direct connections with their peers.

The Thai-Chinese Friendship Association was invited to bring a group of Thai students to participate in this grand event. The friendships established there will last a lifetime. When they are older, they may become important figures in their respective countries. The friendships and good understandings established when they were young students participating in these programs will be crucial for them to use these friendships to promote good relations among the 11 nations.

In summary, fostering youth exchanges in sports, education and culture is essential for strengthening China-Thailand relations. By providing more opportunities for young people to meet and exchange, we can build lasting friendships and mutual understanding that will benefit both countries for generations to come.

GT: Recently, the Thai prime minister and leaders of other neighboring countries visited China. Against the backdrop of the current complex and changing international situation, what positive impacts has this "wave of visits to China" had on regional stability and cooperation?

Dabbaransi:In recent years, numerous China-ASEAN (10+1) summits held in China and other ASEAN countries have significantly strengthened the connections among the 10+1 countries. The Belt and Road Initiative proposed by China has evolved into the belt of peace and road to prosperity within the 10+1 countries. This highlights the shared commitment of these nations to peace and prosperity.

I firmly believe that the China-ASEAN "10+1" model has sent a strong and concrete message to the international community: Peace must be prioritized. When peace is assured, prosperity becomes an achievable reality. This model reflects the collective dedication of the 10+1 nations to creating a peaceful and prosperous future for all.