In an interview with Xinhua, Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin expressed Thailand’s eagerness to strengthen cooperation with China under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), focusing on infrastructure development and the green energy sector. This commitment came in anticipation of his official visit to China, where he participated in the third Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation. The Thai leader emphasized that logistics was a paramount issue concerning the BRI collaboration.
“Since China is our biggest trading partner, without modern transport methods, goods cannot flow, and we need to improve that,” Prime Minister Srettha pointed out, underlining the necessity of enhanced logistics for smooth trade operations between the two nations. Thailand’s ambition is to bolster the connection between its domestic railways and the China-Laos Railway, a flagship BRI project in the region.
During a prior visit to Thailand’s northeastern province of Nong Khai, which borders Laos and is a pivotal location for the China-Laos-Thailand railway connection, Prime Minister Srettha emphasized the region’s role as a transition point, which could significantly contribute to local development. As the construction of the China-Thailand railway progresses, Thailand is planning to upgrade existing railway lines and enhance the connection with Laem Chabang Port, the country’s largest port, to enhance connectivity.
Apart from infrastructure, green energy also stands as a key focus for Thailand’s collaboration with China under the BRI. Srettha acknowledged this and mentioned that Thailand desires to attract world-class investors, making green energy supply a top priority. At the third Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation, Prime Minister Srettha delivered a speech at a forum on green economy and sustainable development. Thailand has emerged as a major manufacturing hub for electric vehicles (EVs), with a growing number of Chinese automakers investing in the country, benefiting from China’s expertise in this field. Srettha expressed his aspirations to enhance the EV supply chain collaboration with China to create employment opportunities and ensure efficient production.
Furthermore, Prime Minister Srettha outlined his intention to explore increased cooperation between the two nations in various sectors, including agriculture, military, trade, and investment. He underscored the significance of China as Thailand’s largest trading partner and a significant source of foreign investment. The long-standing relationship between the two countries continues to flourish.
In a significant move to boost tourism and people-to-people exchange, Srettha’s government has introduced a temporary visa-free policy for Chinese visitors. The policy aims to facilitate the travel of Chinese tourists to Thailand, further enhancing cultural and interpersonal bonds, which Prime Minister Srettha believes will lay a solid foundation for deeper cooperation between the two nations.
