Thailand and China plan seven agreements during Li Qiang visit

Thailand and China plan to sign seven documents during Chinese Premier Li Qiang’s official visit from November 13 to 15, with fruit exports, vehicle cooperation and security among the subjects. Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul will host Li at Government House.

The Foreign Ministry spokesperson said Anutin had invited Li, who will be visiting Thailand for the first time as premier. The Prime Minister’s Office said the previous official visit by a Chinese premier was Li Keqiang’s in 2019. Li’s programme includes delegation talks, a signing ceremony, an official dinner and meetings with Thai and Chinese business leaders.

The Cabinet has approved drafts of all seven documents, according to The Nation. A revised durian protocol would replace an agreement dating from 2004 and expand pest inspections to include packing houses as well as orchards. A separate, first protocol for salacca could generate at least ฿76 million in additional annual exports, the Agriculture Ministry estimates.

The remaining documents concern participation in a Chinese food safety cooperation scheme, electric and smart vehicles, vocational training, security cooperation under China’s Global Security Initiative, and lifting the cap of 12 staff at each country’s consulates-general.

Government Spokesperson Ekkapob Pianpises said discussions would also address cybersecurity, online crime, trade, investment, tourism and regional affairs. Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow said on November 11 that cooperation to protect tourists would be connected to efforts against cybercrime.

Tourism Ministry figures showed Chinese arrivals dropped 13.57 per cent from a year earlier to 308,942 in October. The Chinese embassy had warned about kidnappings and job scams on October 16. On November 5, the ministry and embassy agreed to establish a joint working group on tourist safety.