Thai PM Opens Ceremony Marking 60 Years of Nine Chinese Associations

Prime Minister Anuthin Charnvirakul and Interior Minister presided over the 60th anniversary celebration of nine Chinese associations in Thailand at the Tao Poon Tung auditorium of the Teochew Association of Thailand on Charn Road, Soi 24, Sathorn district on September 6. Acting Chinese Ambassador Wu Zhuou and representatives of the Thai-Chinese Chamber of Commerce and leaders of the nine associations, including members of Thai-Chinese communities, attended the event.

When the Prime Minister arrived, a lion dance troupe from the Kwangsai Association of Thailand and representatives from all nine associations welcomed him. The nine associations present were the Teochew Association of Thailand, Hakka Association of Thailand, Kwangsai Association of Thailand, Hainanese Association of Thailand, Hoklo Association of Thailand, Jiangzhe (Shanghai) Association of Thailand, Taiwan Association of Thailand, Yunnan Association (Thailand), and Guangxi Association (Thailand).

The Prime Minister then took photographs with representatives of the nine associations and the Chinese ambassador, and signed visitors' books in both Thai and Teochew.

Anuthin said the nine associations over the past six decades have served not only as a center for Thai-Chinese communities but have also played an important role in nation-building, creating business networks, generating employment, and providing social assistance. They have acted as bridges connecting the peoples of both countries. The ability of Thai-Chinese to preserve language, culture, and ties with China while fully embracing their Thai-Chinese heritage is a valuable strength for Thailand.

The Prime Minister also discussed his official visit to the People's Republic of China in July, which included Shanghai, Chengdu, and Beijing, where he held discussions with President Xi Jinping, Premier Li Qiang, and provincial and private sector leaders.

President Xi Jinping emphasized the relationship with the phrase "Thailand and China are one family" and called China Thailand's most trusted strategic cooperation partner. He also said Thailand should consider China as a close friend with a relationship that may exceed that of relatives.

Anuthin noted that the visit resulted in the signing of 15 memoranda of understanding, including the opening of a new Board of Investment office in Chengdu to serve as a hub for economic cooperation with western China, particularly in future industries such as semiconductors, advanced electronics, artificial intelligence, robotics, new energy vehicles, and clean energy.

The Prime Minister added that this cooperation is a two-way door: attracting innovative Chinese companies and technology to invest in Thailand to upgrade industry, and opening opportunities for Thai entrepreneurs to conduct business, find partners, and explore opportunities in the Chinese market. Thailand does not wish to be merely a market or production base but to grow as a true partner.

Furthermore, Anuthin entrusted the nine Chinese associations over the next 60 years to expand this relationship to younger generations, new technology, and new opportunities, so that Thai youth will view China as a land of opportunity.