H.E. Mr. Maris Sangiampongsa, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Thailand, paid an official visit to the People’s Republic of China between 8 – 10 July 2024, at the invitation of H.E. Mr. Wang Yi, Member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee, Director of the Office of the Central Commission for Foreign Affairs, and Minister of Foreign Affairs of China. This visit is the first official visit to China by the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Thailand under the current administration.

During this visit, Foreign Minister Maris co-chaired with Foreign Minister Wang Yi the 2^nd Meeting of the Consultation Mechanism between Ministers of Foreign Affairs of Thailand and China. Foreign Minister Maris also paid a courtesy call on H.E. Mr. Han Zheng, Vice President of China, as well as met with H.E. Mr. Liu Jianchao, Minister of the International Department of the CPC Central Committee, and Mr. Ge Haijiao, President of Bank of China.

During the official discussion with Foreign Minister Wang Yi, both sides were pleased to see Thailand – China relations grow from strength to strength, on the basis of mutual respect and mutual trust, which is reflected through the frequent high-level exchanges. Foreign Minister Maris reiterated the Thai government’s commitment to enhancing relations with China at all levels, from government to government, businesses to business, and people to people exchanges.

Both sides primarily focused on economic cooperation, including ways and means to facilitate the trade in agricultural products, especially the export of live cattle from Thailand to China. The two side also agreed to build long-term economic partnership under the IGNITE Thailand vision, expand tourism cooperation to second and third tier cities, enhance rail and air connectivity, as well as tackle transboundary haze and combat transnational crimes.

On the upcoming 50^th Anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between Thailand and China in 2025, both sides agreed to organize activities to commemorate this milestone occasion to reflect the close ties and highlight the participation of the broader public. In this connection, Foreign Minister Maris expressed appreciation to China’s consent for the temporary Soujorn of the Sacred Tooth Relics from Beijing’s Lingguang Temple in Thailand for a total of 73 days between December 2024 – February 2025. This activity will be a part of the celebration of His Majesty the King’s 72^nd Birthday, as well as the 50^th Anniversary of diplomatic relations.

With regard to regional and multilateral cooperation, both sides exchanged views on various frameworks, such as ASEAN – China and the Mekong – Lancang Cooperation (MLC). They also exchanged views on regional and international issues of mutual interest, such as the South China Sea and Myanmar situation, and agreed to work closely together to play a constructive role in safeguarding peace and stability in the region.

Foreign Minister Maris also met with Team Thailand in Beijing to exchange views and listened to suggestions on ways and means to further enhance the bilateral cooperation in various areas, including security, economic, tourism, and education.