On December 5, on the occasion of the National Day of the Kingdom of Thailand, along with Thailand's Father's Day, the Royal Thai Consulate-General in Guangzhou hosted a reception in Guangzhou, Guangdong.
The reception was attended by representatives from Thailand and China, as well as multiple consular delegates in Guangzhou. On the fifth of December every year, Thailand celebrates its national birthday.
A reception held to celebrate Thai National Day in Guangzhou, Guangdong.
In a keynote speech delivered by Ms. Porpot Changyawa, Acting Consul-General of Thailand, she pointed out that the year 2024 marks a milestone for Thailand-China relations, as Thailand now looks forward to the celebration of the 50th anniversary of its diplomatic relations with China next year.
"The Mutual Visa Exemption Agreement that came into effect in March this year (2024) has paved the way for more visits and contacts between our peoples," she addressed the attendees on the surge of Chinese tourists who came to visit Thailand in 2024, "which is fundamental to our close and cordial bilateral relations."
As statistics show, tourists departing from China account for one-fifth of the 30 million tourists Thailand has welcomed so far in 2024. The number of Thai visitors to China has increased at least twofold since the implementation of the Agreement, as she added.
A reception held to celebrate Thai National Day in Guangzhou, Guangdong.
"Our bilateral trade has also been robust. China is Thailand's second-largest trading partner, and Thailand is China's third-largest trading partner within ASEAN," she said in the speech. "Guangdong Province undoubtedly continues to be a powerhouse in Thailand-China trade, accounting for a substantial portion of one quarter of the total trade value."
She highly recognized the strong engagement that Guangdong businesses have made in Thailand, which have delivered great benefits for the local communities. "Investment from Guangdong has also been active in Thailand, especially in the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC), where Guangdong companies such as BYD and GAC are based."
"To this end, in July, the Consulate had invited Guangdong governmental and media colleagues on a study trip to Thailand. The delegation visited sites such as the first BYD overseas manufacturing plant in Rayong Province," said Ms. Changyawa. With this encouraging backdrop, the Royal Thai Consulate-General in Guangzhou aims to do its part to bolster relations by focusing on fostering a more comprehensive understanding between key sectors of both the Thai and Cantonese sides.
Thai dancers gave a performance at the reception.
In addition, Thailand also focuses on promoting a better understanding of its fresh new image and fast-growing sector, the creative economy, which fosters strong cooperation with China.
She foresees a productive year ahead with activities to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Thailand.
Liu Hong Bing, Vice Governor of Guangdong Province, attended the reception and spoke on the most cherished friendship between Thailand and China, especially Guangdong Province.
He said China and Thailand are close neighbors connected by mountains and rivers. "Such close and deep-rooted connection has withstood the test of time with everlasting charm," he said.
In November this year, at the outset of the APEC Leaders' Informal Meeting, it was claimed that China looks forward to taking the celebration of the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Thailand and "the Golden 50 Years of China-Thailand Friendship" next year as an opportunity to further carry foward the traditional friendship between China and Thailand.
Against the backdrop of our joint efforts in building a China-Thailand community with a shared future, Guangdong and Thailand have deepened exchanges and cooperation in various fields and accelerated the synergy of the development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area and Thailand's Eastern Economic Corridor.
"In 2023, the trade volume between Guangdong and Thailand reached 214 billion yuan, accounting for about 1/4 of the national total. Guangdong continues to be the largest contributor to China's trade with Thailand," he detailed.
In April 2024, representatives from Guangdong Province visited Thailand to further enhance ties in various fields and achieve a higher level of win-win cooperation. Driven by the China (Guangdong)-Thailand High-level Cooperation Meeting, Thai young entrepreneurs and trade missions led by organizations such as the Thai-Chinese International Entrepreneurs' Federation have visited Guangdong one after another.
"A number of universities, colleges, and vocational schools in Guangdong have carried out practical cooperation with Thai counterparts. Some well-known TCM brands have expanded their market in Thailand," he said.
Moving forward, he foresees closer ties between the two sides. "Guangdong will earnestly implement the important consensus reached by leaders of the countries to enhance the synergy of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area and Thai Eastern Economic Corridor Initiatives," he said, "and share the development opportunities of the GBA with global partners, including Thailand, to achieve high-quality and mutually beneficial cooperation."
Reporter | Guo Zedong
Photo | Guo Zedong
Editor | Yuan Zixiang, James, Shen He
