Thai PM visits China to meet Xi, boost trade ties

Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul is embarking on a significant four-day visit to China, aiming to deepen economic cooperation and foster stronger ties with one of Bangkok's key trading partners. The trip, which began Thursday, includes a highly anticipated meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping.

Anutin, a strong advocate for enhanced Sino-Thai cooperation, is expected to focus on promoting collaboration in cutting-edge sectors such as science, technology, innovation, artificial intelligence (AI), and future industries. He is also scheduled to attend the World Artificial Intelligence Conference in Shanghai, where he will join his Cambodian counterpart, Hun Manet.

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The focus will be on promoting economic cooperation, particularly in emerging fields such as science, technology, innovation, artificial intelligence (AI), and future industries.

The visit also includes stops in Chengdu for the Thailand-China Economic and Investment Forum, a crucial event given the slowdown in foreign investment in Thai companies and moderate economic growth compared to other Southeast Asian nations. Anutin plans to engage with major Chinese private sector firms and Thai businesses operating in China to spur trade and investment.

In Beijing, the prime minister will meet with Chinese Premier Li Qiang to sign bilateral agreements across various fields, including education, science, trade, investment, and agriculture. Discussions are also slated to address security concerns, particularly the proliferation of cyber-scam centers linked to Chinese mafias in neighboring countries like Myanmar and Cambodia. Additionally, Thailand seeks to rebound its tourism sector, aiming to attract Chinese visitors back after a significant drop post-pandemic, influenced by security issues and Thailand's cannabis legalization.

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will meet with important Chinese private sector companies and Thai business groups investing in China to promote cooperation in trade and investment.