Chinese Premier Praises Thai Speaker's High-Speed Rail Leadership
Chinese Premier Li Qiang praised Thai House Speaker Wan Muhamad Noor Matha for his early advocacy of the Thai-China high-speed rail project during his time as Transport Minister. During Li's official visit, both sides reaffirmed commitment to accelerate the rail link connecting Thailand to the China-Laos line. The leaders also celebrated 50 years of diplomatic relations and pledged deeper legislative, economic, and trade cooperation.
Chinese Premier Li Qiang praised House Speaker Wan Muhamad Noor Matha for pioneering the Thai-China high-speed rail project during his tenure as Transport Minister, calling it a far-sighted vision and a great merit.
On November 14, 2026, at Parliament, House Speaker Wan Muhamad Noor Matha, in his capacity as President of the National Assembly and House of Representatives, along with Senate President Mongkol Surasajja and key Thai officials, welcomed Premier Li Qiang of the People's Republic of China and his delegation. The visit took place from November 13-15, 2026, as a state guest of the Thai government to strengthen relations between the two countries.
Wan Muhamad Noor Matha expressed great honor in welcoming the Chinese Premier, commending China's achievements in technology, innovation, poverty alleviation, and the long-standing relationship between Thailand and China.
Wan also reiterated his commitment to advancing the Thai-China high-speed rail project. He noted that during his time as Transport Minister, he had traveled to China to negotiate cooperation and sought formal government-to-government talks. With the China-Laos high-speed rail route now needing only a connection from Thailand to the Lao border, he hoped the current Thai government would work with China to bring the project to fruition.
For his part, Premier Li Qiang praised Wan, stating that China is well aware the Thai House Speaker has been a pioneer and driving force behind the Thai-China high-speed rail cooperation since his days as Transport Minister, reflecting a long-term vision and constituting a great merit.
Li added that he had held in-depth talks with Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul the previous day to accelerate the high-speed rail project toward early success.
The Chinese Premier also thanked Wan for the warm welcome, commended his multiple visits to China, and acknowledged his contributions to bilateral relations.
Thailand and China maintain stable cooperation across multiple dimensions and jointly celebrated the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations last year.
Li affirmed China's readiness to promote legislative exchanges between the two countries, as well as economic and trade cooperation, to continuously create benefits for the development and modernization of both Thailand and China.
