Chinese Premier Li Qiang will visit Thailand on Friday to Sunday for talks on tourism safety, online crime, trade and investment.
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow said China was an important partner and a major export market for Thailand, while Chinese investment in the country was growing.
Mr Li’s visit reflected Beijing’s importance to Thailand, he said, adding the two countries wanted to strengthen political relations following the Thai prime minister’s recent visit to China and meetings with President Xi Jinping and Premier Li.
Tourism safety will be a key issue, as China remains one of Thailand’s main visitor markets. Mr Sihasak said Thailand needed to reassure Chinese travellers that it was safe, clarify concerns about scams targeting visitors and communicate security warnings more clearly to avoid unnecessary alarm.
The two sides would also discuss cooperation against technology-related crime and identify people involved in scam operations. Economic cooperation, particularly investment in emerging industries, will also feature prominently.
Mr Sihasak said Thailand wanted Chinese investment in areas including artificial intelligence and electric vehicles, but sought projects that brought advanced technology, developed local expertise and transferred knowledge to Thai workers, rather than focusing solely on vehicle assembly.
The talks will also address Thailand’s substantial trade deficit with China and ways to strengthen trade and investment ties. The two countries are expected to discuss a proposed “2+2” framework involving their foreign and defence ministries in 2027.
The cabinet on Tuesday approved in principle two draft memorandums of understanding to be signed during Mr Li’s visit.
One, between Thailand’s Industry Ministry and China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, aims to promote investment, trade, innovation and cooperation in electric and smart vehicles. The five-year agreement covers investment, trade, vehicle standards, industrial management and policy measures, including battery production and recycling and stronger automotive supply chains.
A joint working group would coordinate implementation and action plans. The pact would not create legally binding obligations on the state budget.