China–Thailand relations

Bilateral relations

Thai–Chinese relations

China |
Thailand
Diplomatic mission
Chinese Embassy, Bangkok| Thai Embassy, Beijing
Envoy
Ambassador Han Zhiqiang| Ambassador Atthayut Srisamut

China–Thailand relations officially started in July 1975 after years of negotiations.[1][2] For a long time, Thailand, formerly called Siam, had good relations with China. China was usually greatly respected in Siam and ensured the alliance of both countries. However, after Plaek Phibunsongkhram attempted to erase and prohibit Chinese culture and influence in the country, relations were seriously damaged.

A power struggle between the United States and China may be occurring because of the escalating presence of both in Thailand.[3] Thailand, however, does not view China as a threat in the same way Washington does. It also has no territorial disputes with China, unlike with many other countries in the region.[4] China remains as an important ally to Thailand, partly because of its influence and prominence in the region.[5][6][7][8][9]

## History

[edit]

### Medieval and Early modern period

[edit]

Sino-Thai relations date back to as late as the early 15th century, when the Ming treasure voyages of Zheng He stopped in Ayutthaya Thailand. Despite the Chinese support of Malacca, a rival of Thailand, the Thai were still considered one of the more loyal Chinese tributaries; when Japan invaded Korea, the Thai offered to invade Japan for the Chinese[citation needed]. The relations between the two countries continued into the Qing period. In the 1760s, the Qing invasions of Burma alleviated the Burmese pressure on Thailand. Imports of Thai rice helped sustain the Qing Chinese population, while the Thai Chinese wielded significant influence over the political affairs of early modern Thailand.[citation needed]

### Modern times

[edit]

Countries that have signed co-operation documents related to the Belt and Road Initiative

In 1932, Siam's People's Party overthrew the absolute monarchy and established a constitutional monarchy.[10]: 138 It intensified assimilationist policies towards the Chinese community in Siam.[10]: 138 From 1938 to 1939, it passed a series of laws to eliminate the economic influence of Chinese people, including prohibiting Chinese from certain professions, dealing in certain goods, and living in specified residential areas.[10]: 138–139 The country's Nationality Law was amended in 1939 to require that all Chinese seeking to become citizens had to adopt Thai names, enroll their children in Thai schools, speak Thai, and renounce any allegiance to China.[10]: 139

During World War II, Thailand further restricted the political activities of Chinese.[10]: 139 In 1943, Thailand prohibited Chinese people from purchasing land.[10]: 139

After the establishment of the People's Republic of China, Thailand imposed immigration quotas that virtually prohibited immigration to Thailand from the PRC.[10]: 139 After 1955, Thailand began easing its naturalization policies.[10]: 139

Under Thai Prime Minister Plaek Phibunsongkhram, relations with the Chinese were tense during the Cold War. However, Phibunsongkhram sent the children of his advisor Sang Phathanothai to live in China as a goodwill gesture and for informal backdoor diplomacy. The book The Dragon's Pearl by Phathanothai's daughter Sirin recounts her experience in growing up during the Cultural Revolution in China. Thailand supported Prince Boun Oum's government while the Maoist government backing of China supported Prince Souphanouvong and the communist movement of Pathet Lao with Marxist-Leninist roots that inspired by Chairman Mao which was funded by the Chinese Communist Party. In Cambodia, under Sihanouk's government, the revolutionary Pol Pot (Saloth Sar) secretly formed an infamous Khmer Rouge which will later become the dictator of his four-year reign of terror of what will be known as Year Zero from 1975 to 1979. [citation needed]

In June 1963, Thai King Bhumibol and his wife, Sirikit, visited Taipei in the Republic of China (ROC). In 1969, Minister of National Defense Chiang Ching-kuo visited Bangkok as a special envoy of the government of the Republic of China to meet with Thai King. Thailand switched diplomatic relations from to the People's Republic of China in July 1975.[11]

Until 1975, relations were of mutual suspicion, as the PRC supported left-leaning factions within the Thai political circle, and Thailand was wary of Chinese involvement with Cambodian and Laotian conflicts during the civil war for the communist movements of the Khmer Rouge and Pathet Lao.[1]

Relations developed positively in 1978, when China continued to back Thailand during Cambodia's internal conflict in which Marxist forces from Vietnam ousted the Maoist Khmer Rouge from power in early 1979 and threatened the security of Southeast Asia.[citation needed]

Relations continue to develop as trade became the dominant theme in bilateral relations.[2] Thailand continues to support the One China Policy and maintains unofficial relations with Taiwan, which helps Thailand gain access to capital and the huge Chinese mainland market.[2] Thai-Chinese businesses are part of the larger bamboo network.[12] The Charoen Pokphand (CP Group), a prominent Thai conglomerate founded by the Thai-Chinese Chearavanont family, has been the single largest foreign investor in China.[13]

In 1994, Taiwanese leader Lee Teng-hui made a private visit to Thailand and met with Thai King to discuss projects on economic co-operation.[11]

Thai Princess Sirindhorn has received China's Medal of Friendship and Chinese Language and Culture Friendship Award for her work in promoting closer relations between the two countries. She speaks fluent Mandarin Chinese and has translated several Chinese novels into Thai.[14]

Thailand adopted a policy of improving relations with China since the 2014 Thai coup d'état, when relations with the West worsened.[15] In the Thai House of Representatives, concerns had been raised regarding increasing Chinese influence over the country, and some dubbed Thailand as a Chinese province, with the Chinese acquisition of land and real estate allowing China to build dams in the Mekong, and a Chinese private company to invest in the Thai high-speed rail megaproject.[16]

In 2024, Thailand and China signed a visa-waiver program that lifted the visa requirement for citizens of both nations, effective since March 1, 2024.[17]

During Thai PM Paetongtarn Shinawatra's visit to Beijing, concerns arose over the potential deportation of 48 Uyghur detainees in Thailand, despite warnings of abuse if sent back to China. The visit also focused on strengthening bilateral ties in areas like infrastructure and technology.[18]

## Economic relations

[edit]

Thai Consulate in Kunming

China is Thailand's top trading partner.[10]: 32 Bilateral trade relations grow each year.[19] Chinese-Thai bilateral trade in 1999 was worth US$4.22 billion.[19] That reached $25.3 billion in 2006, US$31.07 billion in 2007, and US$36.2 billion in 2008.[20] The 21st-century Chinese transformation into a major economic power has led to an increase of foreign investments in the bamboo network. The a network of overseas Chinese businesses operating in the markets of Southeast Asia shares family and cultural ties.[21][12]

China's exports to Thailand computer components, electrical motors, consumer electronics, machinery, metal products, chemicals, and clothing.[20]

Thailand's exports to China computer components, rubber, refined oil, plastic pellets, chemical electronics, crude oil, wood products, and food.[20]

China is Thailand's second-largest export market. China is also Thailand's largest importer of goods into the country in 2010.[22]

China and Thailand signed a free trade agreement 2003 that covered agricultural products.[23] It was also known as an early harvest agreement on agricultural products.[24]

In 2011, China announced its plan to invest US$1.51 billion to establish the China City Complex in Bangkok for trading in Chinese-made goods like garments, ornaments, and household items.[25]: 160

China takes advantage of the ASEAN–China Free Trade Area, which came into effect January 1, 2010 and will allow its goods to be exported through ASEAN countries with zero or reduced trade barriers.[26]

Thailand was the first country able to export fresh durian to China.[27]

On 6 June 2013, Thailand and China signed a five-year plan on strengthen their maritime cooperation.[25]: 162

The public in Thailand view China's Belt and Road Initiative projects in the country, such as railways, positively.[10]: 34–35

In 2024 Suvarnabhumi Airport Don Mueang International Airport and Chiang Mai International Airport have flight to 50 Airport in China[28] Suvarnabhumi Airport new passenger route to Yuncheng Zhangxiao Airport[29] new route Cargo airline to Ezhou Huahu Airport Not included Special administrative regions of China Hong Kong and Macau All year 2024 Only Suvarnabhumi Airport have flight 42 Airport in China and Only Don Mueang International Airport have flight to 27 Airport in China Not included Special administrative regions of China

Don Mueang International Airport and Suvarnabhumi Airport go to China same 20 Airport

In 2024 Don Mueang International Airport have flight to Tianjin Binhai International Airport[30]Yichang Sanxia Airport[31]Dalian Zhoushuizi International Airport[32]Huangshan Tunxi International Airport[33]Yangzhou Taizhou International Airport[34][35]Sanya Phoenix International Airport[36] and new passenger route to Harbin Taiping International Airport[37] Seven Airport unable to travel by Suvarnabhumi Airport

In 2024, Chiang Mai International Airport have flight to Xishuangbanna Gasa International Airport[38] One Airport unable to travel by Suvarnabhumi Airport and Don Mueang International Airport

In 2024, Chiang Saen Port have Passenger Ship and Cargo Ship one port to China between Chiang Saen district (Chiang san port) and Guan lei port (关累港) Mengla County China.[39]Chishui Port have Cargo Ship by Ningtong 336 ship go to Bangkok Port[40]

## Military relations

[edit]

In November 2015, Thailand and China held joint air exercises.[25]: 167

Thai Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha ordered 49 Chinese VT-4 main battle tanks and 3 submarines, which cost more than US$1 billion.[41][42]

China and Thailand agreed to open a joint commercial arms factory in Khon Kaen.[41] It will be responsible for the assembly, production, and maintenance of land weapon systems for the Royal Thai Army. Specific details were subject to further discussions between the ministry and Norinco, which makes tanks, weapons, and other heavy equipment.[citation needed]

In May 2017, the Royal Thai Navy signed a contract with the China Shipbuilding Industry Corporation for a S26T diesel-electric submarine, which is derived from the Type 039A submarine.[42] The submarine is expected to be delivered in 2023.[42] Chinese Military Commentator Zhou Chenming stated that China will also likely provide technical guidance to Thailand.[42]

In March to April of 2025, the Royal Thai Navy and People's Liberation Army Navy conducted the Blue Strike-2025 joint exercises in Zhanjiang.[43][44]

## Educational relations

[edit]

In 2006, Thailand's Ministry of Education signed an agreement with Hanban to promote Chinese language education in Thailand.[10]: 63 Thailand is one of the biggest promoters of Chinese language education in southeast Asia.[10]: 62 In 2009, China and Thailand signed an agreement on education cooperation.[10]: 63

Thailand was one of the first countries in southeast Asia to open a Confucius Institute.[10]: 63 As of 2024, it has 16 Confucius Institutes, the most of any country in Asia.[10]: 63

China built the Sirindhorn Chinese Language and Culture Center at Mae Fah Luang University in Thailand as a gift.[10]: 61 It was named after Princess Sirindhorn in honor of her role in cultural exchange between Thailand and China.[10]: 61 The center hosts a Confucius Institute, which is operated in partnership with Xiamen University.[10]: 61

## Cultural relations

[edit]

In 2012, China established a cultural center in Bangkok, Thailand.[10]: 64 It is the largest cultural center established by China in southeast Asia.[10]: 64

## See also

[edit]

* China portal
* Thailand portal

* Embassy of China, Bangkok
* ASEAN–China Free Trade Area
* Thai Chinese
* Bamboo network

## Further reading

[edit]

Library resources about
China–Thailand relations

* * *

* Resources in your library
* Resources in other libraries

* ASEAN SEC (October 2001). "Forging Closer ASEAN-China Economic Relations In The Twenty-First Century" (PDF). Archived from the original on October 20, 2002.
* Cardenal, Juan Pablo; Araújo, Heriberto (2011). La silenciosa conquista china (in Spanish). Barcelona: Crítica. pp. 230–232\. ISBN 9788498922578.230-232&rft.pub=Crítica&rft.date=2011&rft.isbn=9788498922578&rft.aulast=Cardenal&rft.aufirst=Juan+Pablo&rft.au=Araújo,+Heriberto&rft_id=https://books.google.com/books?id=jQ2fvBVpQpYC&rfr_id=info:sid/en.wikipedia.org:China–Thailand+relations" class="Z3988">

## References

[edit]

1. ^ a b Editorial (June 30, 2009). "Sino-Thai relations have come a long way". The Nation. Archived from the original on October 22, 2016. Retrieved January 10, 2011.
2. ^ a b c "A Hiatus in the Sino-Thai "Special Relationship"". China Brief Volume: 6 Issue: 19. May 9, 2007. Archived from the original on March 3, 2016. Retrieved September 27, 2011.
3. ^ "Thailand's foreign relations under the new government". 7 July 2011. Archived from the original on 2023-04-25. Retrieved 2014-07-29.
4. ^ "Thailand in the Emerging World Order". Carnegie Endowment for International Peace. Retrieved 2024-09-28.
5. ^ "Is Chinese influence redefining South-east Asia?". The Straits Times. 4 February 2016. Archived from the original on 25 April 2023. Retrieved 12 September 2018.
6. ^ "Chinese subs, tanks, ships sold in South, Southeast Asia".
7. ^ "China starts work on US$411 million submarine for Thai navy". South China Morning Post. Archived from the original on 2018-09-05. Retrieved 2018-09-05.
8. ^ Ramsey, Adam (6 August 2017). "Thailand Is Finally Cozying Up to China. Why Now?". OZY. Archived from the original on 27 September 2020. Retrieved 12 September 2018.
9. ^ "The Curious Case of Thai-Chinese Relations: Best Friends Forever? - The Asia Foundation". The Asia Foundation. 30 March 2016. Archived from the original on 25 April 2023. Retrieved 12 September 2018.
10. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t Han, Enze (2024). The Ripple Effect: China's Complex Presence in Southeast Asia. New York, NY: Oxford University Press. ISBN 978-0-19-769659-0.
11. ^ a b "Taiwan mourns death of Thai king - Politics - FOCUS TAIWAN - CNA ENGLISH NEWS". 13 October 2016. Archived from the original on 2017-11-07. Retrieved 2016-10-14.
12. ^ a b Murray L Weidenbaum (1 January 1996). The Bamboo Network: How Expatriate Chinese Entrepreneurs are Creating a New Economic Superpower in Asia. Martin Kessler Books, Free Press. pp. 4–8. ISBN 978-0-684-82289-1.
13. ^ Gomez, Edmund (2012). Chinese business in Malaysia. Routledge. p. 94\. ISBN 978-0415517379.
14. ^ "Thai Princess translates Chinese novels". Archived from the original on 2022-10-06. Retrieved 2020-07-19.
15. ^ Prashanth Parameswaran. (2014). Thailand Turns to China Archived 2022-04-27 at the Wayback Machine. The Diplomat. Accessed 3-1-2018.
16. ^ "MPs warned of an economic colony as opposition zeroed in on Thailand's impaired relationship with China". Thai Examiner. 28 February 2020. Archived from the original on 19 October 2020. Retrieved 6 November 2020.
17. ^ "Thailand, China Sign Mutual Visa Exemption Deal". Voice of America. 2024-01-28. Archived from the original on 2024-03-19. Retrieved 2024-05-29.
18. ^ Rahaman Sarkar, Alisha (6 February 2025). "Thai PM meets Xi in China amid fears for Uyghurs in Thailand". Independent. Retrieved 6 February 2025.
19. ^ a b "DEVELOPMENT GATEWAY_ Economic and Trade Relations between China and Thailand Kingdom". Archived from the original on 2011-07-07. Retrieved 2011-01-11.
20. ^ a b c Sompop Manarungsan. "Thailand-China Cooperation in Trade, Investment and Official Development Assistance" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 2016-12-20. Retrieved 2011-01-11.
21. ^ Quinlan, Joe (November 13, 2007). "Insight: China's capital targets Asia's bamboo network". Financial Times. Archived from the original on April 23, 2015. Retrieved May 30, 2013.
22. ^ "Archived copy" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 2010-11-22. Retrieved 2011-01-11.`{{cite web}}`: CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
23. ^ "ASEAN - China Free Trade Agreement". thaifta.com. Archived from the original on 2016-05-14. Retrieved 2016-10-22.
24. ^ "Microsoft Word - THAI PRC AGREEMENT_Thailand_Copy-printable.doc" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 2016-03-27. Retrieved 2016-10-22.
25. ^ a b c Loh, Dylan M.H. (2024). China's Rising Foreign Ministry: Practices and Representations of Assertive Diplomacy. Stanford University Press. ISBN 9781503638204.
26. ^ Nophakhun Limsamarnphun (January 10, 2011). "China seeking fast track into ASEAN market". The Nation (Thailand)/Asia News. Archived from the original on October 22, 2016. Retrieved January 11, 2011.
27. ^ "China is going crazy for durians". The Economist. 13 June 2024. Retrieved 19 June 2024.
28. ^ Flightmapper.net BKK
29. ^ Shenzhen Airlines Adds Yuncheng – Bangkok in 2Q24
30. ^ SL962 Old Bangkok-Tianjin
31. ^ QW6192 Old Bangkok-Yichang
32. ^ QW6192 Old Bangkok-Yichang-Dalian
33. ^ SL8107 Huangshan-Old Bangkok
34. ^ SL918 Old Bangkok-Yangzhou
35. ^ SL919 Yangzhou-Old Bangkok
36. ^ SL8812 Old Bangkok-Sanya
37. ^ Thai AirAsia X to offer special charter services to Harbin for world-famous snow & ice festival
38. ^ RLH5021
39. ^ PM meets with Chinese Ambassador to Thailand
40. ^ [@ASEAN Container Foreign Trade Route "Beiliu(Yulin) - Chishui Port(Wuzhou) - Bangkok(Thailand)" Opened to Traffic]
41. ^ a b Campbell, Charlie; Solomon, Felix (June 21, 2018). "Thailand's Leader Promised to Restore Democracy. Instead He's Tightening His Grip". Time. Archived from the original on October 20, 2023. Retrieved June 24, 2018.
42. ^ a b c d Liu, Zhen (September 5, 2018). "Chinese shipbuilder starts work on US$411 million submarine for Thai navy". South China Morning Post. Archived from the original on September 5, 2018. Retrieved September 5, 2018.
43. ^ Dang, Yuanyue (2025-03-24). "China announces joint naval drills with Thailand near South China Sea port". South China Morning Post. Retrieved 2025-03-31.
44. ^ Lin, Congyi, ed. (2025-03-27). "China-Thailand Blue Strike-2025 joint naval training kicks off". Chinese Military. Retrieved 2025-03-31.

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[edit]

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