During 1-3 September 2015, Mr.Suwat Chirapant, Deputy Permanent Secretary led the Thai delegation (comprising of 7 officials) from Department of Information, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Thailand to visit Beijing as part of the Exchange Programme between Department of Information, and Xinhua News Agency.  On this occasion, the Thai delegation had a fruitful discussion with representatives from the Headquarter of Xinhua News Agency, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China and Beijing Youth Daily.  Previously, during 27-31 August 2015, the Thai delegates visited Shanghai and Xian and were welcomed by the representatives from Xinhua News Agency in Shanghai, China Financial & Information Center and Xian Hi-Tech Development Zone.

            During the visit, Mr. Chirapant expressed his appreciation of this programme as a platform to promote the exchange of information through various channels including internet and social media between China and Thailand as well as to further enhance bilateral cooperation on economy, finance, trade and investment, education, and social and culture.  During the discussion with Mr.Zhang Yanping, President of Beijing Youth Daily, the Thai side viewed that Chinese market is enormous and attractive for Thai entertainment businesses, and requested to seek more cooperation with the Chinese side on this section.

            This annual exchange programme began in 1987 with an aim to promote better understanding and strengthen relations between Thailand and China in every dimension. The two sides will alternately visit their counterpart annually. This year’s programme was also special since it was part of the celebration of the 40^th anniversary of Thailand- China Diplomatic Relations.