Thai businesses are doubling down on investments in China, capitalizing on policy reforms and digital innovation to strengthen ties amid U.S.-China trade frictions, Phaichit Viboontanasarn, Vice Chairman of the Thai Chamber of Commerce in China, told GDToday in an exclusive interview.
"None of us are saying we will pull out of China. On the contrary, many are looking to expand their investments here," Phaichit said, citing China's recent easing of foreign investment rules, particularly in manufacturing. He emphasized Thailand's focus on service-sector growth, including tourism, agriculture, and tech-driven industries, while criticizing U.S. tariff policy. "It will bring China and Thailand, as well as other countries, even closer than ever," he asserted.
Collaboration over competition
While Thai companies have traditionally lagged in innovation, partnerships with Chinese firms are bridging the gaps. Joint ventures in smart agriculture, green manufacturing, and cross-border e-commerce have enabled Thai businesses to adopt cutting-edge practices and rethink traditional models, Phaichit noted. Chia Tai Group, Thailand's first investor in China in 1979, exemplifies this shift—evolving from farming to renewables and retail. The Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA), hailed by Phaichit as "one of China's most advanced ecosystems," serves as a springboard for regional integration. He mentioned that its dense supply chains and consumer markets make it "a win for both Chinese and foreign firms," particularly as Southeast Asian demand grows.
Digital commerce cooperation and tourism revival
Live-streamed sales of Thai durians to Chinese consumers—a viral phenomenon—underscore how digital platforms are reshaping trade. "A Chinese KOL selling durians live from a Thai farm can move 10,000 units in minutes." That's the new normal, Phaichit remarked. Meanwhile, tourism is booming: Chinese visits to Thailand hit record highs after mutual visa waivers took effect in 2024. With 2025 marking 50 years of diplomatic ties, he predicted "another historic year for people-to-people exchange." Phaichit framed Thailand-China collaboration as vital for long-term regional stability, noting that China's push to globalize high-potential firms aligns with Thailand's ASEAN hub status. This synergy will make Asia stronger and more sustainable, he concluded.
Reporter/Script: Hu Nan
Video: Liang Zijian
Poster: Li Wu (Intern)
Editors: Xie Miaofeng, Ou Xiaoming, James, Shen He
