Thai PM visits China to boost AI and digital economy cooperation

Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul made an official visit to the People's Republic of China from July 16-20. This trip was not only to strengthen diplomatic ties but also marked the launch of a new Thai strategy to link its economy, technology, and investment with one of the world's top economic powers. The mission covered three key cities: Shanghai, Chengdu, and Beijing, with a clear objective to promote cooperation in trade, investment, innovation, and Artificial Intelligence (AI), a technology seeing intense competition globally. The journey began with participation in the World Artificial Intelligence Conference 2026 in Shanghai. At this global technology forum, attended by President Xi Jinping of China and high-level leaders and representatives from various countries, international organizations, businesses, and academia, Thai Prime Minister Anutin met with Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet. The two leaders were photographed together with President Xi Jinping in the center. A significant outcome of this visit was the declaration that Thailand aims to be part of the AI economy. It aspires not just to be a user of technology but to become a hub for digital and advanced technology investment in the region. During the visit, the Thai government planned discussions with AgiBot, a Chinese developer of robots and AI systems, as well as with executives from Huawei. Towards the end of the trip, a visit to the headquarters of Alibaba Group was scheduled to exchange ideas on the digital economy, e-commerce, and data centers. The Prime Minister explicitly stated his intention to invite Chinese technology companies to invest in Thailand, including setting up data centers, manufacturing technology equipment, and investing in future industries, which would enhance the country's competitive capabilities. Another crucial mission involved opening an Investment Promotion Office (BOI) in Chengdu, considered the economic gateway to Western China. A "Thailand-China (Sichuan) Investment and Economic Forum 2026" was organized to attract Chinese investors to Thailand, alongside discussions with six Chinese private sector companies. Most notably, the visit included meetings with China's top three leaders: President Xi Jinping, Premier Li Qiang, and the Chairman of the National People's Congress. The Prime Minister also witnessed the signing of agreements between agencies of both countries. Security cooperation was also a topic during these high-level discussions. The Prime Minister revealed that he had consulted with the Thai military before his trip to inquire about any issues to be conveyed to Chinese leaders, particularly regarding security cooperation and the crackdown on transnational crime, which is a sensitive matter to be discussed bilaterally. When asked about the Thai-Cambodian border situation, the Prime Minister did not disclose details but reiterated that China has always been a great friend to Thailand. He added that if China wishes to play a role in helping to create a conducive atmosphere for discussions between Thailand and Cambodia in the future, the Thai government would "not block" such involvement. Beyond politics and security, this mission builds upon the cooperative results achieved by both countries over the past year, including trade, investment, agricultural exports, and technological collaboration. The Thai government anticipates this will lead to new investments and the transfer of AI knowledge to Thailand. The Prime Minister's first official visit to China thus reflects a key direction of the government: leveraging technology and the digital economy as engines for national growth while maintaining strong relations with China across trade, investment, security, and the development of future technologies. Source: INN News