The Prime Minister took on the role of a driver of a Chinese electric vehicle (EV) to host the envoy from China for lunch, highlighting the soft power of Thai fruit in welcoming domestic and foreign guests.
On 24 April, Anutin Charnvirakul, Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, welcomed Wang Yi, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China, on his official visit to Thailand. Both parties held official discussions at the Thai Khu Fah Building for nearly one hour.
After the talks, the Prime Minister created a buzz by personally driving a BYD electric vehicle, a Chinese brand, with Wang Yi seated beside him in the front passenger seat. They then departed from the Government House to have lunch together, attracting media attention to their gestures reflecting close rapport and mutual respect.
Reports indicate that during the discussions at the Thai Khu Fah Building, the Thai government prepared special snacks including "durian," the king of Thai fruits, and "khao lam," a famous local dessert, to welcome Wang Yi and his delegation. This use of Thai culinary charm (soft power) helped create a positive atmosphere for high-level negotiations.
Next on the agenda, Wang Yi, accompanied by Sihasak Phuangketkeow, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, will travel to Krabi province to co-chair the 3rd Thailand-China Foreign Ministers' Consultation Mechanism meeting. The key goal is to continue strengthening the strategic partnership, expanding cooperation in trade and investment, and exchanging views on important regional and international issues to further solidify Thailand-China relations.