Xi Jinping Praises Thailand’s ‘Strong Measures’ During Talks with Prime Minister Paetongtarn
PUBLISHED: 6 Feb 2025 at 16:03
UPDATED: 6 Feb 2025 at 16:56
BEIJING – In a significant meeting, Thailand and China leaders agreed to enhance law enforcement cooperation to combat rising cross-border crimes, including call center scams. Chinese President Xi Jinping urged ongoing collaboration between the nations to address these criminal activities that threaten public safety.
During discussions at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra emphasized Thailand’s commitment to working alongside China and neighboring countries to eradicate scams, gambling fraud, and other illegal operations.
Mr. Xi acknowledged and appreciated the “strong measures” Thailand has implemented against criminal gangs targeting Chinese citizens, which recently included cutting off power to multiple crime hubs near the Thai border.
He stated, “Both sides must continue to fortify cooperation in security, law enforcement, and judicial matters to protect people’s lives and property.” This meeting coincided with the return of 61 individuals rescued from scam operations in Myanmar back to Thailand, of which 34 are Chinese nationals.
Ms. Paetongtarn confirmed Thailand’s focus on intercepting criminals using the country as a transit point, establishing an alert system in collaboration with China, and she assured the safety of tourists visiting Thailand.
Following her discussions with Mr. Xi, Ms. Paetongtarn also met with Zhao Leji, chairman of the National People’s Congress, where they focused on drafting various agreements to strengthen economic, trade, and investment relations between the two nations.
She mentioned that at least 14 memoranda of understanding (MoUs) covering multiple sectors would be signed during her visit, including a reaffirmation of the commitment to completing the Thai-Chinese high-speed train project and linking it with Laos’s rail system.
Additionally, discussions included a proposed Land Bridge megaproject in southern Thailand and enhancing cooperation in trade and investment, alongside possible arrangements for the loan of two pandas from China.
On Thursday afternoon, Ms. Paetongtarn met with members of the Thai Chamber of Commerce in China, where there were discussions on overcoming global challenges and leveraging the 50th anniversary of Thailand-China relations to enhance cooperation through “soft power” and improved investment facilitation.
On the upcoming agenda, Ms. Paetongtarn is scheduled to travel to Harbin on Friday for the opening of the 2025 Asian Winter Games and will engage with Thai athletes and partake in the Harbin International Ice and Snow Festival.
Furthermore, the cabinet has approved an MoU concerning new collaboration in the peaceful use of nuclear technology with China, which is expected to be signed in Beijing.
