Media, think tanks called upon to boost Chinese-Thai relations

Officials and experts from China and Thailand called for media and think tanks to promote mutual understanding and deepen bilateral cooperation between the two countries, at a seminar held in Bangkok on Jan. 17. 

Attendees of the "One River, One Family" seminar pose for a group photo, in Bangkok, Jan. 17, 2025. [Photo/CICG]

Pinit Jarusombat, former deputy prime minister of Thailand, speaks at the "One River, One Family" seminar in Bangkok, Jan. 17, 2025. [Photo/CICG]

At the "One River, One Family" seminar, Pinit Jarusombat, former deputy prime minister of Thailand, said that the friendship between Thailand and China is not only significant for the development of the two countries, but also serves as a model for harmonious coexistence and mutual development between countries. He said the role of media and think tanks should be leveraged to promote the friendship between China and Thailand. 

Gao Anming, editor-in-chief of China International Communications Group (CICG), speaks at the "One River, One Family" seminar in Bangkok, Jan. 17, 2025. [Photo/CICG]

Gao Anming, editor-in-chief of China International Communications Group (CICG), said that media and think tanks, as vital platforms for disseminating information and shaping public opinion, play an irreplaceable role in promoting connectivity between China and Thailand. Gao also highlighted the need for the two countries to work together to advance media collaboration and enhance mutual learning. 

Li Jijuan, counsellor of the Chinese Embassy in Thailand, speaks at the "One River, One Family" seminar in Bangkok, Jan. 17, 2025. [Photo/CICG]

Li Jijuan, counselor of the Chinese Embassy in Thailand, expressed her hope at the seminar that Chinese and Thai media and think tanks can enhance exchanges and cooperation, learn from each other, and uncover and spread more positive stories of China-Thailand friendship. 

Surasit Thanadtang, senior advisor of Asia-Pacific Think Tank and director of the Thai-Chinese Strategic Research Center at the National Research Council of Thailand, speaks at the "One River, One Family" seminar in Bangkok, Jan. 17, 2025. [Photo/CICG]

Surasit Thanadtang, senior advisor of Asia-Pacific Think Tank and director of the Thai-Chinese Strategic Research Center at the National Research Council of Thailand, said that cultural and people-to-people exchanges serve as the cornerstone of the deep friendship between the two countries. He also expressed his hope that media and think tanks can join hands to promote the building of a community with a shared future for Thailand and China and to achieve greater success in Lancang-Mekong cooperation.

Roundtable discussions at the "One River, One Family" seminar in Bangkok, Jan. 17, 2025. [Photo/CICG]

Two roundtable discussions were held during the seminar, with media and think tank experts from China and Thailand exchanging their views on modernization and the Belt and Road Initiative. 

The seminar, co-hosted by Asia-Pacific Think Tank and the Center for Asia-Pacific of CICG, was part of the events celebrating the 50th anniversary of diplomatic ties between China and Thailand.