The trip “Discovering Authentic Thailand through Chinese Influencers’ Eyes, Uniting Hearts and Cultures,” hosted by the ASEAN-China Centre (ACC), was recently launched in Bangkok and nearby provinces, Thailand.

Secretary General Shi Zhongjun of the ACC gave opening remarks at the launching event in Muang Boran, stating that China and Thailand are good neighbors with geographical proximity, closely connected blood-lined relatives and good partners. The phrase “China and Thailand are as close as one family” stands the test of time and becomes ever stronger. This year marks the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two sides. Over the past half-century, Thailand and China have consistently upheld the principles of win-win cooperation and mutual support, taking deeper and more concrete steps to strengthen the comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership between Thailand and China. This has led to the establishment of a more stable, prosperous, and sustainable Thailand-China community with a shared future.

Shi stressed that people-to-people exchanges serve as the cornerstone of bilateral friendship. With the thriving role of new media, Chinese and Thai Key Opinion Leaders (KOLs) should leverage their online influence to serve as storytellers, communicators, and practitioners of the Thailand-China and ASEAN-China friendships. The ACC stands ready to continue fostering two-way exchanges, enhancing mutual understanding and affinity, and reaping more benefits for the ASEAN-China and Thailand-China communities with a shared future.

SG Shi also led the delegation of KOLs to visit the Tourism Authority of Thailand, where they exchanged views with Governor of TAT, Ms. Thapanee Kiatphaibool on promoting Thailand-China tourism cooperation.

“Discovering Authentic Thailand through Chinese Influencers’ Eyes, Uniting Hearts and Cultures” is one of the ACC’s flagship programs under the Diversified ASEAN - Reporting Trip for Chinese Media to Explore ASEAN. It aims to promote ASEAN-China new media cooperation within the framework of the 2025 ASEAN-China Year of People-to-people Exchanges, while also celebrating the 50th anniversary of the establishment of Thailand-China diplomatic relations this year. The event is co-organized with the Chinese video platform Bilibili and supported by the Tourism Authority of Thailand.

Participants include several Chinese KOLs with broad influence in fields such as traditional culture, intangible cultural heritage, fashion, tourism, and art. During the visit, the Chinese KOLs were invited to attend the series of celebrations for the 50th anniversary of Thailand-China diplomatic relations. They have also engaged in dialogues with Thai media, local KOLs, and cultural institutions. They also showcase activities featuring Chinese traditional culture, and visited Thailand’s distinctive cultural and tourism industries, contributing to people-to-people exchanges between Thailand and China.