Bangkok: The Prime Minister opened the 60th anniversary event of 9 Chinese associations, emphasizing "Thailand and China are one family," paving the way for generations to come.
According to Thai News Agency, Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Anutin Charnvirakul presided over the opening ceremony celebrating the 60th anniversary of the establishment of the Nine Chinese Associations in Thailand. The event was attended by Mr. Wu Zhiwu, Chinese Ambassador to Thailand, members of the Thai-Chinese Chamber of Commerce, presidents of the nine Chinese associations, and Thai people of Chinese descent. The Prime Minister signed the guest book in both Thai and Chinese, then posed for photos with members of the nine Chinese associations before delivering an opening speech. He congratulated the associations, stating that over the past six decades, they have not only been a spiritual center for Thai people of Chinese descent but have also played a significant role in building Thailand, creating business networks, generating jobs, assisting society, and serving as a bridge connecting the people of both countries. He praised the associations for their ability to maintain their language, cultur e, and strong ties with China, while proudly preserving their Chinese heritage, as a valuable strength for Thailand.
The Prime Minister also mentioned his official visit to the People's Republic of China last July, including visits to Shanghai, Chengdu, and Beijing, where he had the opportunity to hold discussions with President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Qiang, as well as provincial leaders and private sector representatives. President Xi Jinping emphasized the close relationship, using the phrase "Thailand and China are one family," and hailed China as a trustworthy and reliable strategic partner for Thailand. He also added that Thailand should consider China as a close friend, perhaps even more so than relatives.
The Prime Minister also stated that the visit led to the signing of 15 Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs), including the opening of a new BOI office in Chengdu to serve as a base for economic cooperation with western China, particularly in future industries such as semiconductors, advanced electronics, artificial intelligence (AI), robotics, new energy vehicles, and clean energy. Mr. Anutin said that this cooperation opens doors in two ways: on one hand, it attracts innovative and technologically advanced Chinese companies to invest in Thailand to upgrade industries, and on the other hand, it opens opportunities for Thai entrepreneurs to do business, find partners, and seize opportunities in the Chinese market. He emphasized that Thailand does not aim to be merely a market or production base, but to grow together as partners.
Furthermore, the Prime Minister entrusted the nine Chinese associations with the goal of building a bridge to extend this relationship to younger generations, encompassing technology and new opportunities. He emphasized the importance of Thai youth viewing China as a global hub of opportunity, not just a land of their ancestors.
At the same time, the government wants the younger generation of Chinese to view Thailand as a country where they can invest and innovate together. The government urges the current generation to make this bridge even stronger and expand its meaning from "China-Thailand," which means "not strangers, but brothers and sisters," to "partners building a shared future," leveraging their shared ethnic origins.
At the end, the Prime Minister congratulated the Nine Chinese Associations on their 60th anniversary, informally remarking that he himself would also be turning 60 next week. He said that if turning 60 meant being old, he wouldn't think about anything further, but for him, it was just the beginning, and he needed to think about his children and grandchildren. He then wished the association, its members, and their families happiness and prosperity, and prayed for the enduring and flourishing friendship between Thailand and China.
Mr. Wu Zhiwu reiterated the strong Thai-Chinese relationship, stating that, as President Xi Jinping has said, China and Thailand are one family, with both Thai and Chinese people united in solidarity and working together for progress. He noted that the relationship between Thailand and China has developed steadily, and amidst the rapidly changing global situation, China and Thailand should work even harder to create stability. China is ready to cooperate with Thailand on the basis of mutual respect, sincerity, and shared interests to further strengthen cooperation in all areas and ensure the well-being of both countries. Finally, Mr. Wu Zhiwu wished the Prime Minister good health, happiness, and continued success in his endeavors for the nation and its people.