Chinese Icebreaker Xue Long 2 Docks in Thailand to Mark Princess’s 70th Birthday and 50 Years of Thai-Chinese Relations
Sattahip, Thailand — Thailand warmly welcomed China’s most advanced polar research icebreaker, Xue Long 2 (Snow Dragon 2), as it docked at Chuk Samet Pier in Sattahip on Monday in a landmark visit celebrating both royal and diplomatic milestones.
The visit follows the vessel’s return from an Antarctic expedition and serves to honour Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn’s 70th birthday on April 2, 2025, as well as the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Thailand and China.
A welcoming ceremony was held with high-profile attendees including Rear Admiral Thamrong Supannapong of the Royal Thai Navy, Professor Dr. Pairash Thajchayapong of the Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn Information Technology Foundation, Assistant Professor Dr. Rawin Raviwongse from the National Science Museum (NSM), along with local officials and students. Floral garlands were presented to Captain Xiao Zhimin and his crew in a traditional gesture of goodwill.
Princess Sirindhorn is scheduled to make a private tour of the vessel on May 20, while the public will have a rare opportunity to visit the icebreaker at the Sattahip Commercial Port from May 19 to 23, 2025.
The visit is complemented by several educational and cultural events, including the “Xue Long 2 and See the Unseen in Polar Region” exhibition at Siam Paragon in Bangkok, running through May 25, before relocating to Chuk Samet Pier. Additional activities include a science forum featuring polar researchers, youth outreach programs, and a Thailand-China Polar Science Conference, culminating in a farewell ceremony.
While in Thailand, the Xue Long 2’s crew will also take part in cultural exchanges and visit tourist landmarks like the Nong Nooch Tropical Botanical Garden in Pattaya.
Assistant Professor Dr. Rawin highlighted the NSM’s efforts in co-hosting the polar science exhibition to promote public understanding of polar research and technology. Plans are also underway to extend the exhibition to NSM Science Square in Bangkok.
Captain Xiao Zhimin detailed the vessel’s cutting-edge capabilities. As China’s first domestically built polar icebreaker, the Xue Long 2 supports a variety of missions, including logistical operations for China’s Arctic and Antarctic research stations, such as Great Wall, Zhongshan, Kunlun, and the newly established Qinling Station.
Measuring 122.5 metres long, the ship can break ice up to 1.5 metres thick in both directions. It houses ten decks equipped with laboratories, accommodation, recreation spaces, a helicopter hangar, and medical facilities, supporting up to 90 personnel.
The Xue Long 2‘s historic visit not only celebrates scientific achievement and royal honour, but also strengthens the growing bond between Thailand and China.
