Thailand and China Strengthen Cooperation on Crime, Trade, and Infrastructure
BEIJING — Thailand and China have agreed to enhance law-enforcement cooperation to combat call center scams and other cross-border crimes, Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra and Chinese President Xi Jinping announced on Thursday.
During talks in Beijing, President Xi urged continued joint efforts to crack down on criminal activities in the region to ensure public safety, according to Xinhua News Agency. Prime Minister Paetongtarn reaffirmed Thailand’s commitment to working with China and neighboring countries to eliminate scams, gambling fraud, and other illicit operations.
Following her meeting with Xi, Paetongtarn held discussions with Zhao Leji, chairman of the National People’s Congress. Their talks centered on economic, trade, and investment agreements aimed at strengthening bilateral ties. At least 14 memoranda of understanding (MoUs) were expected to be signed during her visit, covering multiple areas of cooperation.
Key Agreements
Among the agreements was a pledge to advance the Thai-Chinese high-speed rail project, ensuring its connection with Laos’ railway system. Discussions also included the proposed Land Bridge megaproject in southern Thailand, further trade and investment collaboration, and negotiations on the loan of two pandas from China.
Thailand’s efforts to combat crime were a major topic, with Xi commending the country’s recent crackdown on gangs targeting Chinese citizens. Notably, Thailand recently cut power to three criminal hubs near its border, disrupting scam operations.
Meanwhile, Thai authorities announced the return of 61 people rescued from scam centers in Myanmar, including 34 Chinese nationals, along with others from Indonesia, Ethiopia, and Africa, according to Thai defense ministry spokesman Thanathip Sawangsang.
Paetongtarn emphasized Thailand’s commitment to intercepting transnational criminals using the country as a transit point, facilitated by an alert system with China. She also reassured travelers of Thailand’s dedication to ensuring tourist safety.
Economic and Cultural Engagement
Later on Thursday, Paetongtarn met with the Thai Chamber of Commerce in China (TCCC). Chamber vice-president Phaichit Viboontanasarn highlighted global challenges but noted that the 50th anniversary of Thailand-China relations presents an opportunity for deeper cooperation. He also advocated for promoting “soft power” and improving investment facilitation.
On Friday, Paetongtarn is scheduled to travel to Harbin to attend the opening of the 2025 Asian Winter Games. She will meet Thai athletes and visit the Harbin International Ice and Snow Festival.
Additionally, Higher Education, Science, Research, and Innovation Minister Supamas Isarabhakdi confirmed that Thailand’s cabinet has approved a memorandum of understanding with China for peaceful cooperation in nuclear technology, which was expected to be signed on Thursday in Beijing.
