Bangkok governor Chadchart Sittipunt raised the flag as an electric vehicle caravan from Bangkok to Beijing got under way on Friday, celebrating the 50th anniversary of Thailand-China diplomatic relations.
The 5,000-kilometre journey symbolises the enduring friendship and strengthened cooperation between the two nations, the governor said at the ceremony in Lan Khon Muang Square, in front of Bangkok City Hall.
The caravan consisting of 15 BYD Sealion electric vehicles will travel through major tourist destinations in various provinces of China before arriving in Beijing at the National Stadium on the evening of Oct 23.
A gala dinner will be held on Oct 24 to celebrate the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Thailand and China. Participants in the caravan will then return to Thailand by air on Oct 25.
The caravan will pass through destinations such as Xishuangbanna, Kunming, Guiyang, Zhangjiajie, Xi’an and Pingyao, said Thapanee Kiatphaibool, governor of the Tourism Authority of Thailand.
The event was organised by the Thai-Chinese Friendship Association, which was established in 1975 to promote ties between the two nations and their people.