Thai Prime Minister and Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul held a bilateral meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping on the sidelines of the APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting, reaffirming Thailand’s firm opposition to legalised gambling while seeking to deepen bilateral cooperation.
Speaking after the talks at the Kolon Hotel, Mr. Anutin said he had assured the Chinese leader that his government had no plans to promote casinos as a means of economic stimulus.
“We have other options to improve the economy of Thailand, relying on the capabilities of the Thai people, Thai products, and Thai technology,” the prime minister said, adding that all proposals related to legal gambling had been suspended.
President Xi praised Thailand’s stance, saying China respected other nations’ domestic policies but would continue discouraging Chinese citizens from travelling abroad for casino tourism due to its social and economic harms.
The meeting took place ahead of the 50th anniversary of Thailand–China diplomatic relations in 2025, a milestone both leaders described as an opportunity to outline a shared vision for a “safe and prosperous future.”
Mr. Anutin invited Chinese tourists to visit Thailand again, assuring them of the government’s full commitment to ensuring their safety and security.
He also commended President Xi’s strong commitment to joint efforts in tackling cybercrime, which Thailand regards as a national priority requiring regional collaboration.
President Xi reiterated China’s readiness to expand cooperation in trade, investment, tourism, and people-to-people exchanges. Mr. Anutin identified key growth areas in innovation, digital economy, clean energy, and sustainable agriculture.
On infrastructure, the Thai leader updated his counterpart on progress with the Thai–Chinese high-speed railway and the Second Thai–Lao Friendship Bridge rail link between Nong Khai and Vientiane.
The projects are seen as vital to connecting China’s southern provinces with the Malay Peninsula through an integrated rail network.
Mr. Anutin also said talks were progressing positively on China’s planned purchase of 500,000 tonnes of Thai rice.
The discussions, described as taking place in a friendly and constructive atmosphere, underscored a renewed sense of mutual trust as both nations move to revitalise their long-standing partnership.
