His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn Phra Vajiraklaochaoyuhua, who has rarely undertaken overseas state visits since ascending the throne nine years ago, was in Beijing with Her Majesty Queen Suthida Bajrasudhabimalalakshana for his first official visit to China, scheduled to end today.
Describing the two countries as “family”, Xi told the royal couple that China would “strengthen strategic alignment” with Thailand, according to state broadcaster CCTV.
He said cooperation would be expanded on the China–Thailand railway link as well as in emerging sectors, including artificial intelligence, aerospace and the digital economy.
“His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn Phra Vajiraklaochaoyuhua’s choice of China as his first major destination for a state visit fully demonstrates the high importance he attaches to China–Thailand relations,” Xi said, according to CCTV.
Thailand was a key United States ally during the Cold War, but China is now the kingdom’s largest trading partner, and ties between Bangkok and Beijing have warmed in recent years.
The two countries have recently stepped up cooperation in cracking down on telecommunications fraud and illegal gambling gangs operating in border areas, particularly in Myanmar, which frequently target Chinese nationals.
Last Wednesday, Thailand extradited Chinese national She Zhijiang, allegedly linked to a major scam hub in Myanmar. He had been held in Thai custody since 2022.
China also pushed for a ceasefire between Thailand and Cambodia, a close Beijing ally, after deadly border clashes earlier this year. The truce remains fragile, with Thailand last Monday pausing its implementation after claiming a newly laid landmine blast wounded four of its soldiers.