Chinese Media Familiarization Trip in Thailand

From 8 to 12 December 2024, the Chinese media familiarization trip “Heritage and Harmony: Exploring the Heart of Southeast Asia in Thailand”, organised by the ASEAN-China Centre (ACC) continued in Thailand after the trip to Cambodia. The delegation consisted of journalist representatives from Global Times Online, People's Daily Online, China Daily, a Senior Director and an online influencer from Bilibili. Director Napasorn of Information and Public Relations Division of the ACC, along with a counsellor from the Royal Thai Embassy in Beijing also accompanied the visit.

Next year marks the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Thailand. As this golden jubilee approaches, the delegation interviewed several prominent figures, including former Thai Ambassador Arthayudh Srisamoot to China, Deputy Director-General Suwit Mangkhala of the Department of ASEAN Affairs of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Thailand, and Chinese Ambassador Han Zhiqiang to Thailand. They shared stories about the long-standing friendship between the two peoples, positively evaluated the China-Thailand community with a shared future and ASEAN-China Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, and shared their views and recommendations for the future development of these important relationships.

Additionally, the delegation visited two flagship education cooperation programs between China and Thailand: the Confucius Institute of Chulalongkorn University (CICU) in Bangkok and the largest Chinese School in northern Thailand, Changfah Xinsheng Wanishbamrung School in Chiang Mai. Media representatives learned about the development of these institutions and engaged in friendly and in-depth discussions with teachers and students. They were impressed by the enthusiasm for Chinese language and culture among local teachers, students, and community members.

The delegation also exchanged views with the Bangkok Post, Thailand’s leading English-language daily, sharing experiences and discussing about deepening friendship and mutual understanding between China and Thailand through media cooperation and promotion.

Furthermore, the delegation visited several landmark sites with historical and cultural importance and experienced “Vijit Chao Phraya 2024”, the spectacular lighting show against the backdrop of the historic Chao Phraya River, organised by Tourism Authority of Thailand.