BEIJING, June 24 (TNA) – Nine former Thai ambassadors to Beijing and former Chinese ambassadors to Thailand convened today to discuss the enduring relationship between the two nations, emphasizing shared interests at bilateral, regional, and global levels.
The forum, titled “Thai-China Friendship: Experience and Inspiration,” was hosted by China’s Institute of Foreign Affairs to mark the 50th anniversary of diplomatic ties.
Tej Bunnag, former Thai Ambassador (1986-1990) and a key figure in establishing diplomatic relations on July 1, 1975, highlighted the millennium-long connection. He asserted that formalizing ties was a “correct decision,” fostering prosperity and regional peace. He described China as a “trustworthy partner” and stressed the 50-year milestone as an opportunity to review past successes, learn lessons, and forge a new era.
Jullapong Nonsrichai, Executive Advisor to the Thai Foreign Minister and another former ambassador to China from 2004-2007, addressed the impact of global crises, particularly U.S.-China tensions stemming from tariffs. Given Thailand’s close economic reliance on both powers, he expressed a desire to see China’s future direction and foster new paths for Thai-Chinese cooperation. He emphasized that such collaboration would not be aimed at countering the U.S. but at jointly navigating global challenges for mutual benefit, citing regional frameworks like RCEP and stronger ties with Global South nations as potential directions.
Former Chinese ambassadors to Thailand underscored the importance of mutual political and strategic trust and respect in developing the bilateral relationship. Dr. Zhou Fangye, an academic at the National Institute of International Strategy, noted a growing Chinese understanding of Thailand through social media but highlighted challenges in verifying online information to prevent false information.
Both Thai and Chinese former envoys agreed that people-to-people exchanges and youth education will be crucial for the future of bilateral relations. -819 (TNA)
