From 8 – 10 October 2015, H.E. Mr. Don Pramudwinai, Minister of Foreign Affairs, visited the People’s Republic of China as an official guest of H.E. Mr. Wang Yi, Minister of Foreign Affairs of China to celebrate the 40^th anniversary of the establishment of Thailand – China diplomatic relations.

On 9 October 2015, the Minister of Foreign Affairs met with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of China, where he conveyed the regards of Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn to the Minister of Foreign Affairs of China, who then returned his utmost respect. During the meeting, both sides acknowledged with great pleasure that since the establishment of diplomatic relations 40 years ago, the unique bond between Thailand and China has continuously deepened and expanded. The two Ministers also discussed ways to further promote trade and investment between Thailand and China, notably the railway development project, and the Mekong – Lancang Cooperation initiative.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs then met with H.E. Mr. Li Keqiang, the Premier of China. The Premier sent his regards to H.E. General Prayut Chan-o-cha, Prime Minister, and expressed his satisfaction at the positive development of Thailand – China ties throughout 40 years of diplomatic relations. Among other topics discussed, both sides agreed that the railway development project should be undertaken in parallel with the expansion of agricultural cooperation, so as to bring tangible benefits and win-win situation to both countries as well as the region.

On the evening of 9 October 2015, the Minister of Foreign Affairs met with H.E. Ms. Yan Junqi, Vice Chairwoman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress of China. Both sides discussed how people-to-people connectivity as well as increased cultural exchanges are important in furthering and deepening Thailand – China relations. The Minister of Foreign Affairs and the Vice Chairwoman then co-hosted the reception to commemorate the 40^th anniversary of the establishment of Thailand-China diplomatic relations.

On 10 October 2015, the Minister of Foreign Affairs presided over the meeting of Team Thailand, which comprised the Ambassador of Thailand to China, Consuls-Generals, Thai agencies’ heads of offices, as well as the Thai private sector based in China. The Minister of Foreign Affairs outlined the policy recommendations, stressing how Team Thailand should work together with a common direction in order to help Thailand – China relations strengthen and develop further.

Since the beginning of 2015, Thailand and China have been holding various events to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the establishment of Thailand-China diplomatic relations throughout the year. Both sides have enjoyed close and cordial relations over the years, with frequent exchanges of high-level visits and positive cooperation in all areas. In 2012, Thailand and China elevated their bilateral relations to a strategic comprehensive cooperative partnership. Last year, more than 4.6 million Chinese tourists visited Thailand, making the China the number one inbound country; that number is expected to rise this year. Also in 2014, the trade volume between Thailand and China totaled 63,583 million US dollars, and Chinese investment in Thailand amounted to 33,707 million Thai baht, or 10 per cent of Thailand’s total FDI.