On Thursday afternoon, November 12, His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn Phra Vajiraklaochaoyuhua of the Kingdom of Thailand touched down in Beijing, kicking off a five-day state visit at the invitation of Chinese President Xi Jinping. This marks the first trip by a Thai monarch to the Chinese mainland in 50 years.
Over the next few days, the King will hold separate meetings with Chinese President Xi and Chinese premier Li Qiang, highlighting a renewed focus on deepening economic, cultural, and technological ties. Since diplomatic relations were established in 1975, bilateral trade has soared past $90 billion annually, with both sides eyeing collaboration in digital innovation and sustainable tourism.
Born in July 1952, the 73-year-old monarch ascended the throne in 2016 as King Rama X and was officially crowned in May 2019. His visit is expected to feature discussions on green infrastructure projects, youth exchange programs, and expanded cultural festivals aimed at boosting people-to-people connections.
For young professionals and entrepreneurs, this visit signals fresh opportunities in emerging markets and tech ventures. Thought leaders are watching for potential partnerships in renewable energy and digital start-ups. Sports fans and culture buffs can look forward to joint events celebrating Thai and Chinese traditions, while travelers may soon see streamlined visa processes and new cultural itineraries.
As the King's tour unfolds, stay tuned for updates on landmark agreements, groundbreaking collaborations, and stories that bring Southeast Asia and the Chinese mainland closer than ever.
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Thai King Maha Vajiralongkorn arrives in Beijing for state visit
cgtn.com
