Amid concerns over rising ‘grey’ Chinese investments and the influx of low-cost goods, experts in Thailand are urging greater transparency and dialogue to safeguard the longstanding bilateral relationship, as highlighted during a forum on 14 June 2025.
The event, commemorating 50 years of formal diplomatic relations between Thailand and China, brought together academics and business leaders who stressed the importance of fostering mutual understanding. The aim, they noted, is to address economic tensions without undermining the historically strong cultural and people-to-people ties between the two nations.
Professor Zhang Xizheng, who has lived in Thailand for several decades, noted that only a small fraction of Chinese investments fall into the ambiguous or ‘grey’ category. Referring to a Chinese idiom to illustrate his point, Zhang maintained that most business ventures from China are legitimate and can benefit Thailand if managed through transparent channels.
Zhang also observed that the recent rise in Chinese investment is partly a result of tightened domestic policies in China. He expressed confidence that open dialogue could ease local apprehensions and reinforce the bilateral partnership.
Concerns were also raised about the potential dumping of low-cost Chinese products. Kriengkrai Thiennukul, Chairman of the Federation of Thai Industries, highlighted that despite trade between the two countries reaching 115.85 billion US dollars in 2024, sincere conversations are essential to prevent friction.
Kriengkrai emphasized that cultural connections and direct interpersonal exchanges remain the core of Thai-Chinese relations, and encouraged both governments to strengthen ties through soft power initiatives.
Meanwhile, Thai academic Pornpawis Lhapeerakul, currently studying in Shanghai, described China as a modern and rapidly evolving country. He encouraged Thai citizens to explore different Chinese provinces, noting that increased accessibility has become one of the most significant changes since the start of Sino-Thai relations five decades ago.
The forum was attended by scholars, young professionals, and industry representatives, all advocating for continued cooperation and transparent dialogue to navigate the complexities of growing Chinese investments in Thailand.