International Studies Center Launches Books Marking 50 Years of Thailand-China Diplomatic Relations

BANGKOK, July 4 (TNA) – The International Studies Center (ISC) today launched two significant books on the history of Thai-China relations, commemorating the 50th anniversary of diplomatic ties between Thailand and China.

Dr. Anuson Chinvanno, Director of the International Studies Center (ISC), stated at the opening ceremony that the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Thailand and China presents a suitable opportunity to publish and disseminate books crucial to the history of relations between Thailand and the People’s Republic of China. The first book is titled “Negotiations for the Establishment of Diplomatic Relations with the People’s Republic of China 1973-1975: Draft Report by Tech Bunnag,” and the second is “Thailand Looks at China.”

Dr. Tej Bunnag, Secretary-General of the Thai Red Cross Society and Chairman of the Advisory Board of the ISC, who authored the original notes forming the basis of “Negotiations for the Establishment of Diplomatic Relations with the People’s Republic of China 1973-1975: Draft Report by Tech Bunnag,” revealed that the book compiles his personal notes and official correspondence from his tenure as Head of the East Asian Division at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in 1972. At that time, he was assigned to coordinate the initial negotiations that led to Thai Prime Minister M.R. Kukrit Pramoj’s visit to Beijing to sign a joint communiqué establishing official diplomatic relations with Chinese Premier Zhou Enlai on July 1, 1975. The book details the sequence of events and the exchange of views between the Thai and Chinese sides, particularly informal conversations between Dr. Tej Bunnag and Mr. Cheng Jui-Sheng, Director of the Southeast Asian Division, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China, in Tokyo. These discussions coined the term “Corridor Diplomacy,” marking the beginning of negotiations to restore Thai-China relations between the two foreign ministries.

Professor Dr. Sitthiphon Kruarattikan,Faculty Senate President, Thammasat University, introduced “Thailand Looks at China,” stating that as its editor, he identified two main concepts from the book: the complex background of relations, including some overlooked issues, and Thailand’s opportunities and challenges in Thai-China relations over the next 50 years.On this occasion, the ISC also organized a seminar titled “Looking Forward: The Future of Thai-China Relations.” The seminar aimed to exchange perspectives on the direction, opportunities, and challenges in Thai-China relations from academic, business, and media viewpoints. The panelists included Assoc. Prof. Dr. Kornphanat Tungkeunkunt, a lecturer at the General Education Unit, Thammasat University, specializing in Chinese history; Ms. Kulthirath Pakawachkrilers, President of the Thai E-Commerce Association; and Ms. Watcharin Setakudan, Vice President of Foreign News Department, MCOT Public Company Limited.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Kornphanat Tungkeunkunt discussed China’s soft power dissemination, from earlier periods through state organizations like the Confucius Institute and scholarship programs to the present day, where China promotes its culture by creating Chinese narratives and producing contemporary pop culture content. This content is designed to reach younger generations through Chinese digital platforms, such as Chinese series, “Boys’ Love” dramas, romantic dramas, and Chinese fantasy novels. She noted that this presents an opportunity for Thailand to leverage cooperation with Chinese platforms and producers to create and export Thai content globally through Chinese platforms. This could also attract foreign tourists and Chinese fans to Thailand, particularly if Chinese entertainment companies choose Thailand as a venue for large entertainment events.

Ms. Kulthirath Pakawachkrilers, President of the Thai E-Commerce Association, advised Thai entrepreneurs that significant opportunities remain in China’s online market, provided that products are distinctive and unique. She also emphasized that Thai entrepreneurs should not be deterred by language barriers when investing in China, as many tools are now available to facilitate communication with Chinese traders and consumers, such as interpreters and translation apps. Furthermore, she highlighted the advantages of online trade on Chinese platforms, noting that some platforms, like TikTok or Douyin, offer tax reductions for products from Thailand, while Thai government agencies are implementing various cooperation frameworks to further facilitate online trade with China.

Ms. Watcharin Setakudan, Vice President of Foreign News Department, MCOT Plc., offered her perspective as a media professional collaborating with Chinese media organizations and government agencies. She stated that amidst geopolitical issues and a constantly changing global situation, the media should play a constructive role in fostering good international relations, not only between Thailand and China but also with other countries. She also suggested that it is time for Thai media and government agencies, both public and private, to collaborate in disseminating accurate information about Thailand-China and neighboring countries through Chinese platforms to Chinese audiences, alleviating concerns that could impact Thailand’s image. -819 (TNA)