China-Thailand Golden Jubilee: Maximizing Benefits is Imperative for Both Countries

Dr. Pravich Rattanapian, Chairman of Rattana Bundit University, Thailand

Dr. Romchat Jantranugul, Lecturer, Rattana Bundit University, Thailand

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Chinese tourists visit the Grand Palace in Bangkok on Oct 3, 2024. (Photo/ Xinhua)

The year 2025 marks the 50th anniversary of establishing diplomatic relations between the Kingdom of Thailand and the People’s Republic of China. On July 1, 1975, the two countries formally established diplomatic ties, with Thailand recognizing the government of China under the leadership of the Communist Party of China. Since then, the two nations have started official exchanges between political delegations. Over the years, the relations have progressively evolved into a comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership. In February 2025, the governments of Thailand and China issued the Joint Statement on Advancing the Comprehensive Strategic Cooperative Partnership and Building a China-Thailand Community with a Shared Future for Enhanced Stability, Prosperity, and Sustainability through a Forward-looking and People-centered Vision.

Evolution of Diplomatic Relations between Thailand and China (1975–2025)

The past 50 years of Thailand-China trade and investment flows stand as a testament to the continuous upgrading of bilateral economic cooperation. China has held the position of Thailand’s top trading partner since 2012. In 2024, the total trade volume between the two nations exceeded THB 29 billion (approximately USD 8.8 billion). Thailand’s key exports to China include fresh fruits, such as durians, mangosteens, and longans, along with rubber, chemicals, electronic components, and vehicles. Meanwhile, China’s exports to Thailand are led by machinery, electronic devices, chemicals, and other industrial goods.

Thailand and China have witnessed sustained growth in economic collaboration over the years, with expanding trade volumes positioning the partnership as an example of regional economic integration. Fruitful outcomes have been achieved through economic and trade cooperation under various regional collaboration frameworks.

Since coming into force in 2005, the China-Association of Southeast Asian Nations Free Trade Area (CAFTA) agreement has broadened the scope of cooperation, with tariff reductions playing a pivotal role in boosting Thailand-China trade.

The Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), the largest free trade pact globally, seeks to reduce tariffs and stimulate regional trade and investment. Thai exports to China - particularly in sectors such as fruits, electronics, and automotive parts - have notably benefited from RCEP.

The Belt and Road Initiative has played a critical role in infrastructure cooperation between Thailand and China. Notably, the China-Laos-Thailand railway stands as a major achievement, forging a vital transportation network that links China with Southeast Asia and lays a solid foundation for regional connectivity.

In the Mekong River Basin, the two countries have maintained close collaboration. Launched in 2015 under China’s leadership, the Lancang-Mekong Cooperation (LMC) framework centers on economic engagement, infrastructure development, and water resource management. China’s financing of highway, railway, and energy projects in the Mekong River Basin has greatly advanced the region’s growth. Both countries are also integral members of the Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS) economic cooperation led by the Asian Development Bank, contributing proactively to the regional economic growth and prosperity.

China’s direct investment in Thailand has continued to rise, spanning diverse sectors, including science and technology, renewable energy, digital industries, and infrastructure development. These investments have supported major projects such as the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) and international high-speed railways. Corporate engagement and collaboration between the two nations have become increasingly frequent. Chinese tech companies such as Alibaba, Tencent, Huawei, and TikTok have invested in Thailand’s e-commerce and digital platforms, signaling a strong interest in the Thai market. As of 2024, more than 179 new Chinese production bases have been established in Thailand.

Tourism is a key part of China-Thailand economic cooperation. Before the outbreak of COVID-19, Chinese nationals comprised Thailand’s largest inbound tourist group, exceeding 11 million in 2019 and representing 25% of the country’s international visitors. Following the implementation of Thailand’s visa exemption policy, the number of Chinese tourists has seen a strong recovery, along with an increase in consumption levels. Both sides have worked proactively to enhance tourism collaboration through various initiatives. The Chinese side continues to encourage Chinese enterprises to invest in Thailand’s tourism industry, supports key infrastructure projects such as the Thailand–China high-speed railway, and promotes the development of “smart tourism” solutions, including the integration of artificial intelligence (AI), tailored to the needs of Chinese travelers.

In the past five decades, the Thailand-China relationship has made a remarkable transition from friendly diplomatic engagement to a multidimensional strategic partnership. Thailand has derived substantial advantages from its collaboration with China in the fields of economy, education, and infrastructure. Nevertheless, issues such as trade and investment asymmetries, cross-cultural business differences, and language barriers continue to pose challenges. Facing a rapidly changing global environment, Thailand must remain agile in navigating international dynamics and safeguarding its political and economic balance.

In the years to come, Thailand-China cooperation in infrastructure and logistics is set to deepen further. The China-Laos Railway will be a key artery linking China, Laos, and Thailand. The development of Thailand’s EEC is expected to draw substantial Chinese investment in AI, renewable energy, and other sectors, with digital industries and the green economy becoming new engines of future cooperation. Prospects for upgrading the Thailand-China Free Trade Agreement are promising, unlocking more trade opportunities, while regional economic cooperation frameworks will play an increasingly prominent role.

Maximizing benefits is essential for both China and Thailand, as it forms the foundation of a stable economic partnership and serves as a key condition for the sustained deepening of cooperation toward shared development.

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