BANGKOK — China’s ambassador to Thailand said on Monday that the Chinese public was deeply impressed by the official visit of Thailand’s King Maha Vajiralongkorn and Queen Suthida to Beijing earlier this month, calling the trip a milestone in bilateral relations as both countries mark the 50th anniversary of diplomatic ties.
Ambassador Zhang Jianwei delivered a report on the November 13–17 visit, the first by a reigning Thai monarch to China, describing it as “a magnificent success” and a reflection of the “sincere cooperation” between government agencies in both countries.
Strengthening Political Ties
Zhang said President Xi Jinping held extensive talks with the king, and the two leaders reached key agreements to guide the next phase of China-Thailand relations. Both sides pledged to advance the “China-Thailand Community with a Shared Future,” expand cooperation in emerging fields such as artificial intelligence, the digital economy and aerospace, and deepen strategic alignment.
The king, in remarks during the visit, praised the long-standing relationship as “brotherly cooperation” and said Thailand hoped to learn from China’s development experience.
Diplomatic and Cultural Highlights
Zhang said one of the most memorable moments was the warm personal interaction between Xi and the king, including a discussion about the history and architecture of Tiananmen Square and an explanation of murals inside the Great Hall of the People.
At a state banquet, the royal composition “Klaikrung” (“Near Dawn”) was played throughout the hall, which Zhang said symbolized the closeness between the two nations.
The king also visited the Smart Robot Innovation Center, the China Academy of Space Technology, the Astronaut Training Center, and observed a remote English-language class via a smart education platform. Cultural activities included laying a wreath at the Monument to the People’s Heroes, paying respects to a Buddha tooth relic at Lingguang Temple, and opening the China-Thailand Cultural Artifacts Exhibition at the Palace Museum.
Respect Amid Mourning
Zhang said the Chinese side was particularly moved that the king proceeded with the trip despite Thailand’s period of national mourning following the death of Queen Sirikit, The Queen Mother. Chinese hosts adjusted protocols, including wearing dark attire, to reflect respect for the Thai delegation.
Public Reaction in China
The ambassador said the king and queen received significant public attention in China, with their visit generating praise online and boosting interest in Thai tourism.
“The prestige and capability of His Majesty King Vajiralongkorn and the beautiful and elegant demeanor of Her Majesty the Queen made a great impression on Chinese netizens, attracting a large number of admirers,” Zhang said. “The visit brought the hearts of the two peoples closer and reinforced the idea that ‘China and Thailand are one family.’”
Zhang said the royal trip filled a “historical gap” in the bilateral relationship and laid a stronger foundation for cooperation over the next five decades.
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