Thai prime minister pledges continued efforts to deepen friendship, cooperation with China

China

Thai prime minister pledges continued efforts to deepen friendship, cooperation with China

2025-02-09 13:27 Last Updated At：16:37

Thailand attaches great importance to the development of relations with China, visiting Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra said on Thursday, pledging her country's continued efforts to enhance mutual support with China and to work hand in hand with China to advance the bilateral relationship into a next "Golden 50 Years" .

In an exclusive interview with China Media Group (CMG) in Beijing, Paetongtarn emphasized Thailand's strong commitment to fostering its relationship with China and highlighted the deep friendship between the two countries, as China and Thailand will mark in 2025 the 50th anniversary of bilateral diplomatic relations, and also the "Golden 50 Years of China-Thailand Friendship" since the establishment of diplomatic relations.

"Thailand and China enjoy similar cultures. The two countries are very agreeable in communication, cooperation and understanding of each other's culture. Thailand has always supported China's development, just as China has supported Thailand's development. This spirit of mutual support is an important foundation for sustained development of our bilateral relationship in the future," said Paetongtarn.

Paetongtarn also discussed the latest progress on the China-Thailand High-Speed Railway (HSR). She noted that the railway will greatly facilitate trade among China, Thailand, and Laos. With the continuous improvement and upgrading of the railway project, exchanges and cooperation between the peoples of China and Thailand will become even more frequent.

"On Tuesday, the Thai Cabinet approved the resolution on construction of the Korat-Nong Khai high-speed rail, as part of the Bangkok-Nong Khai high-speed rail, or the second phase of the China-Thailand High-Speed Railway (HSR). The construction of this railway will greatly facilitate trade among China, Thailand, and Laos. As a result, the connections between Thailand and China at all levels will also become closer, and exchanges and cooperation between the peoples of our two countries will become more frequent. In the near future, I believe that people can take train for travel between the two countries more easily," she said. Paetongtarn noted that combating telecom fraud, gambling, and transnational crime is one of the key topics of her visit. As the Thai prime minister, Paetongtarn said she focuses on ensuring Thailand's security and maintaining regular communication with the country's police, military, and other departments.

"I have been in regular communication with various departments of the Thai police to ensure the safety of every tourist who visits Thailand. Cybercrime is a global issue because it spreads rapidly and can cause significant damage in a short period of time. This requires cooperation among all nations. Thailand will work closely with China to address these issues, and I believe we will see significant improvements," said Paetongtarn.

Paetongtarn arrived in Beijing on Wednesday for a four-day official visit to China at the invitation of Chinese Premier Li Qiang. On Friday evening, she attended the opening ceremony of the 9th Asian Winter Games alongside Thai government officials in Harbin City of northeast China's Heilongjiang Province.

Iranian president says government focusing on ensuring supplies amid protests

The Iranian government is focusing on public concerns and maintaining stable supplies of essential goods amid recent protests, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said in a televised interview on Sunday.

In the city of Karaj, northwest of the capital Tehran, daily life has largely continued as normal. A video filmed by a local resident on Sunday shows food stores open and grocery shelves fully stocked.

"This is the block near my home, and there are some food stores here. Daily life continues here. Last night we did not see many protests in Karaj. Right now the city is very safe. This is a grocery store close to my home. All the food is available; nothing is in shortage. Here are noodles and different types of beans. Here are dairy products, cheese, and yogurt. I also checked other grocery stores and didn't see any shortages. Everything is available," said local resident Ali Reza.

Iranian officials have described recent disturbances as acts orchestrated by the "enemy," including some carried out by well-trained and armed "terrorists." The incidents have caused casualties among security personnel and civilians, as well as property damage.

The Secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council Ali Larijani has directed authorities to severely punish the "terrorists."

Meanwhile, Iran's police chief Ahmad-Reza Radan said on Sunday that the police had raised alert levels and arrested several leaders of the troublemakers during the operations on Saturday.

President Pezeshkian noted in the interview that the normal demands of the Iranian people are reasonable and justified, but they must realize that triggering riots and carrying out terrorist acts are the enemy's attempts to undermine the country. He urged the public to remain vigilant.

Also on Sunday, Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf warned that Tehran would regard U.S. and Israeli bases and facilities in the Middle East as "legitimate targets" if Washington takes military action against Iran. His remarks followed media reports saying U.S. President Donald Trump is "seriously considering authorizing a strike" against Iran.

Iranian state media reported that at least 109 members of Iran's security forces have been killed in clashes since the protests began 14 days ago. Meanwhile, human rights groups based outside the country said the number of protesters killed has exceeded 200, though the figure could not be independently verified.

The protests initially erupted over a sharp depreciation of the rial and sweeping subsidy reforms. Iranian authorities have blamed the unrest on foreign-linked agents and sanctions imposed by the United States.