Thailand’s king Vajiralongkorn makes historic first visit to China

Thailand’s King Maha Vajiralongkorn has arrived in China for a historic state visit, marking the first-ever trip to the country by a reigning Thai monarch.

The visit, which began on Wednesday, was made at the invitation of Chinese President Xi Jinping to commemorate the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Thailand and China, established in 1975.

According to diplomatic sources, Beijing has long sought such a visit to highlight the growing partnership between the two Asian nations.

In a statement, the Thai government described the visit as a symbol of “the deep-rooted friendship and mutual understanding shared between Thailand and China at all levels.”

During the visit, King Vajiralongkorn and Queen Suthida are scheduled to tour several key sites in Beijing, including the Lingguang Buddhist Temple and Beijing Aerospace City, underscoring both the cultural and technological dimensions of the relationship.

President Xi and First Lady Peng Liyuan will also host a state banquet in honor of the Thai royals, reflecting the importance China places on the occasion.

This is King Vajiralongkorn’s first major state visit since ascending the throne nine years ago. Earlier this year, he made a rare foreign trip to Bhutan in April.

Analysts say his visit to China marks a significant step in reaffirming Thailand’s foreign relations at a time of shifting geopolitical dynamics in Asia.

By contrast, King Vajiralongkorn’s late father, King Bhumibol Adulyadej, undertook a series of high-profile visits to the United States in the 1960s, when Thailand was seen as a key ally of Washington during the Cold War and a vital base for U.S. operations in Indochina.

Today, Thailand maintains close economic and diplomatic ties with China, which is its largest trading partner and a major investor in infrastructure and tourism. The royal visit, observers say, is expected to further deepen bilateral cooperation in the coming years.