Chinese Embassy and Writers’ Association of Thailand Host Chinese–Thai Poets Dialogue to Celebrate Thai–Chinese Relations and Mid-Autumn Festival
On Monday, September 21, 2026, the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Thailand, the China Cultural Center in Bangkok, and the Writers’ Association of Thailand jointly organized the “Chinese–Thai Poets Dialogue: Rejoicing in the Full Moon Across the World” at the China Cultural Center in Bangkok. The event celebrated the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Thailand and the People’s Republic of China, which was marked in 2025, as well as the 2026 Mid-Autumn Festival, drawing a large turnout of participants.
The event began with a cultural performance by the ASEAN Cultural Promotion Council, followed by welcoming remarks and an introduction to the event by Zhang Ruoyu, Director of the China Cultural Center in Bangkok, and Juthamas Na Songkhla, Secretary-General of the Writers’ Association of Thailand. The event was officially opened by Yang Xiaolong, Cultural Counsellor of the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Thailand.
Yang Xiaolong, Cultural Counsellor of the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Thailand, said that the China–Thailand comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership is currently operating at a high level, while the concept that “China and Thailand are one family” has become deeply rooted in the hearts of the people. Using poetry as a medium, he said, represents a gentle yet powerful expression of this shared understanding.
Literary exchanges between China and Thailand have a long history and have now expanded into diverse forms across multiple levels and fields. Poetry requires genuine emotion and feeling, and poets from both countries should listen attentively to one another through dialogue and exchange. He expressed hope that the dialogue would create more opportunities for mutual translation and collaborative creation, breathing new life into the poetry of both countries.
Juthamas Na Songkhla, Secretary-General of the Writers’ Association of Thailand, said that the friendship between China and Thailand is founded not only on 50 years of diplomatic relations, but also on a long tradition of cultural and literary exchange. Although poetry may be written in different languages, it can transcend borders and convey emotions shared by all humanity. She expressed hope that this exchange among Chinese and Thai poets, writers, and scholars would deepen mutual understanding and cooperation between the literary communities of the two countries, with literature and poetry serving as bridges of friendship and further advancing people-to-people and cultural exchanges between China and Thailand.
Zhang Ruoyu, Director of the China Cultural Center in Bangkok, said that the Mid-Autumn Festival is an important traditional Chinese festival. Bringing together poets and experts from China and Thailand in Bangkok was not only a literary exchange, but also a meeting of minds and a dialogue between civilizations. He expressed hope that the event would mark a new starting point for further exchanges and cooperation between the Chinese and Thai literary communities.
The event brought together nine poets, writers, and literary experts from China and Thailand as guest speakers for in-depth exchanges and discussions on poetry and literature.
The morning session featured an exchange of perspectives and poetry readings under the theme “When Poetry Meets: Thai–Chinese Poetic Voices Across the Frontiers of Language.” Representing Thailand were Chamaiporn Bangkombang, National Artist in Literature; Saksiri Meesomsueb, National Artist in Literature and S.E.A. Write Award-winning poet; and Chiranan Pitpreecha, S.E.A. Write Award-winning poet. They were joined by Chinese poets Liu Liu, Cheng Yong, and Zhang Huijun.
Poets from China and Thailand exchanged views on the development of poetry, distinctive approaches to poetic creation, and literary expression in both countries. They also shared their experiences and perspectives on their own creative processes and selected some of their favorite poems to read together. Through poetry readings and the exchange of ideas, the session highlighted the differences, similarities, and common ground between Chinese and Thai poetic cultures.
In the afternoon, the dialogue continued with a panel discussion titled “Poetic Voices Across Mountains and Seas: Connecting China and Thailand.” The Thai speakers included Assistant Professor Dr. Dhanate Vespada, independent scholar and former President of the Thai Language and Literature Association of Thailand under Royal Patronage; Chokchai Bundit, S.E.A. Write Award-winning poet; and Sunee Leelapornpinit, lecturer in the Academic Affairs Division at the Chinese International College, Dhurakij Pundit University. Chinese poets Liu Liu, Cheng Yong, and Zhang Huijun also participated in the discussion.
The panelists shared their views on a range of topics, including how poetry can move beyond literary circles and reach a wider public, the preservation and continuation of poetic traditions, the coexistence of artificial intelligence (AI) and poetry, and the future of Chinese–Thai literary exchanges. They also discussed the forms of expression and shared values found in the poetry of both countries within their different cultural contexts.
Chamaiporn Bangkombang, National Artist in Literature and a representative of Thai poets, said, “I am very pleased to be part of today’s event, as poetry is profound in nature. Learning about the history and connections between Thai and Chinese poetry has given me a clearer understanding of the poetic traditions of both countries, as well as a deeper appreciation of the human bonds we share. Hearing poetry recited in both Thai and Chinese, with each word carefully chosen to convey meaning and beauty, was truly impressive and deeply moving.”
Assistant Professor Dr. Dhanate Vespada, independent scholar and former President of the Thai Language and Literature Association of Thailand under Royal Patronage, representing Thai academics, said, “I am delighted to be part of today’s event, which has such a beautiful name. I believe that translation plays an important role in strengthening the connection between our two cultures. I have had the opportunity to learn about Chinese poetry since childhood and have always admired it. Thai poetry, however, has not yet been widely translated into Chinese, although there are some notable works, such as Lilit Phra Lo, which was translated from Thai into Chinese by Pei Xiaorui. I hope that relevant organizations will work together to support the continued creation of both Thai and Chinese poetry. I also place great hope in the new generation of poets. Today’s event is an excellent starting point for continued collaboration and for further strengthening the Thai–Chinese poetry community.”
Liu Liu, representing the Chinese poets, said, “Many events of this kind are held in China, but this is my first visit to Thailand to participate in a poetry festival like this. I feel deeply honored to be here and hope that, in the future, there will be more platforms and opportunities for exchanges between China and Thailand, as well as among poets from both countries, allowing us to learn from one another and read each other’s poetry.
“In China, poetry is shared and promoted in many different ways. At the community level, for example, there are numerous poetry groups and clubs that bring together people who share a passion for writing poetry. They provide opportunities for poetry lovers to meet, discuss, and exchange knowledge and ideas about poetry. Large-scale events such as this one, however, generally require support from local governments or relevant organizations in order to be organized on a larger scale.
“At the same time, poetry exchanges can take many forms and are highly accessible. Even in a small town or district, if just three to five people share a passion for writing poetry, they can regularly find time and a place to meet, learn from one another, and exchange ideas.
“On the occasion of my visit to Thailand, I would like to extend my best wishes to all our Thai friends, as well as members of the Chinese community in Thailand. I wish everyone good health and ever-growing prosperity. Thank you,” Liu Liu said.
The poetry gathering, “Chinese–Thai Poets Dialogue: Rejoicing in the Full Moon Across the World,” marked a day of meaningful encounters and exchanges among poets, writers, and scholars from Thailand and the People’s Republic of China. The event reflected the cultural ties connecting the peoples of the two countries through poetry—a form of expression that does not require people to speak the same language, yet has the power to bring their hearts closer together. It also offered participants an opportunity to experience the beauty of words from two cultures through poetry that transcends borders and embodies the spirit of enduring friendship.
