Given those early ties, Phinij Jarusombat, the president of the Thai-Chinese Cultural and Relationship Council, hailed the brotherly Sino-Thai relationship as "the greatest treasure", calling for the two countries to forge even closer ties on all fronts. Mr Phinij said anecdotes have been passed down for generations. Mr Phinij said such long-standing ties account for China's deeper engagement in trade, investment and tourism here than many other countries. Reflecting on the course of development, Mr Phinij said the People's Republic of China has risen from a poverty-stricken country to a global superpower since its founding in 1949. When asked whether it shows Thailand's overdependence on China, Mr Phinij dismissed such criticism saying China has never sought territorial control because its policy is not to meddle in any country's internal affairs.

Source: Bangkok Post October 04, 2020 23:15 UTC