Solidarity and cooperation are powerful weapons for defeating the virus that is a threat to humanity and prosperity, said Arthayudh Srisamoot, Ambassador of Thailand to China, in a recent written interview with Xinhuanet.
Thailand agrees with China that virus does not respect borders, nor is race or nationality relevant in the face of the disease, he said.
Speaking of the prevention and control of the COVID-19 pandemic, he said China has done a remarkable job, adding that China’s response to the COVID-19 outbreak has not only brought the crisis under effective control but also set best practice for the rest of the world.
Thailand and China have stood shoulder to shoulder and extended support to each other during this challenging time, which exemplifies their deep traditional friendship, according to the ambassador.
“The anti-virus cooperation has further promoted our friendly bilateral relations, especially in public health,” he said.
This year marks the 45th anniversary of the establishment of the diplomatic relations between Thailand and China.
The ambassador said Thailand and China enjoy close relationship underpinned by frequent high-level visits and comprehensive cooperation at all levels and aspects.
As an example, he pointed out the megaprojects cooperation, saying the hi-speed train, 5G technology, digital economy and the linkage between the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area of China and Thailand’s Eastern Economic Corridor are significantly moving forward.
Looking ahead, the ambassador said there is a large room for the bilateral relations to grow and deepen in many areas such as trade and investment, science and technology, defense industry and connectivity as well as public health, education and training.
The year marks China’s completion of building a moderately prosperous society in all respects and achieving the goal of 13th Five-Year Plan.
In the process, the ambassador said he has always admired the innovation and technological advancement China has achieved in recent years.
“The rapid rise of Chinese science and technology is historic and has set a model for other developing countries,” he said.
As new technologies such as 5G and smart industry are becoming hot topics, the ambassador said Thailand is embarking on the transformation of its economy under Thailand’s 4.0 policy to become a “smart nation” with new technologies including 5G being the principal vehicle for the transformation.
“We expect to launch 5G service at the end of this year, making Thailand the first country in ASEAN to have 5G commercial services,” he said.
On China’s poverty alleviation, the ambassador said “China’s strong commitment and achievements in poverty alleviation is well-recognized internationally and set as a good example that is worth studying.”
By strengthening cooperation and information sharing, countries including Thailand can learn from China’s experience and help lift more people in their respective countries out of poverty, improve the livelihood of more population, he noted.
