On April 24, a source from the Government House disclosed that Wang Yi, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China, met with Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul on his official visit to Thailand as a guest of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The discussion was in an Open Agenda format, meaning no pre-set agenda was determined. Topics anticipated to be discussed included economic and investment cooperation, such as promoting the import of additional Thai agricultural products, the expansion of Chinese business investment in Thailand, technology exchange, as well as cooperation in the suppression of transnational crime, particularly the issue of online scams.
On the Thai side, Sihasak Phuangketkeow, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs; Ekniti Nitithanprapas, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance; and Narit Therdsteerasukdi, Secretary-General of the Board of Investment (BOI), joined the discussion.
On this occasion, both sides discussed key issues, including:
1) Elevating Thailand–China relations: Both agreed to push forward their relationship towards a deeper strategic partnership by preparing a joint “Action Plan” to align with both countries’ development strategies, aiming for tangible results in all areas.
2) High-level visit exchanges: China invited the Prime Minister to attend the APEC Economic Leaders’ Summit, which China will host in November 2026, and extend an official invitation to visit China. Thailand, in turn, invited Li Qiang, Premier of China, to visit Thailand. The Chinese side accepted in principle and is working on scheduling the visit.
3) Thailand–Cambodia situation: China saw that relations are improving and hopes for continued positive development, while Thailand emphasized the importance of promoting understanding and cooperation between both sides.
4) Security and suppression of transnational crime: Both agreed to enhance cooperation, particularly in combating scammer gangs, which severely affect the public, and will include this as a key issue in the joint Action Plan.
5) Driving concrete cooperation: Both sides agreed to push for more practical cooperation through mechanisms, meetings, and activities at various levels to achieve tangible and sustainable outcomes.
This visit by China’s Foreign Minister is significant for advancing strategic cooperation between Thailand and China amid the continuously changing economic and geopolitical context.
