Thailand and China are joining forces to tackle the rising menace of call centre scam gangs and other dubious business ventures, predominantly run by Chinese citizens. The collaborative effort was spotlighted during a meeting between Thailand’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Maris Sangiampongsa, and Liu Jianchao, the head of the International Department of the Chinese Communist Party, in an engaging dialogue held in Beijing on Wednesday.
This high-level meeting followed the visit of Mr. Liu to Thailand in March, where the seeds of this cooperative spirit were first sown. Minister Maris’s trip, lasting from Monday to Wednesday, was at the special invitation of China’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Wang Yi. The timing was poignant, highlighting the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two nations set to be celebrated next year.
During the discussions, which spanned a plethora of topics from national security to tourism, a significant emphasis was placed on curbing criminal activities, particularly those related to organized crime and narcotics. Minister Maris emphasized the need for joint efforts to dismantle these illicit operations.
The Thai delegates also highlighted the critical issue of air pollution, proposing remedial measures under the Mekong-Lancang Cooperation framework. This suggestion was met with commendable enthusiasm by the Chinese counterparts, indicating a promising path forward for environmental collaborations. Furthermore, the Chinese delegation expressed robust support for the eight-dimension “Ignite Thailand” policies introduced by Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin.
The dialogue also touched on the necessity of propelling several ambitious infrastructure projects, such as the development of high-speed rail networks, advancements in electronic vehicle manufacturing, and the expansion of digital economy initiatives. These projects, once completed, are anticipated to elevate bilateral trade and economic exchanges to unprecedented levels.
In a fascinating economic tidbit, it’s noteworthy that the export value of Thai durian to China exceeded a staggering 4 billion yuan (equivalent to 20 billion baht) in the past year alone. The ongoing construction of the Thai-China high-speed railway is predicted to further facilitate and enhance trading efforts between the two nations.
Additionally, the meeting reflected on a recent speech by Pheu Thai leader Paetongtarn Shinawatra, delivered at the Inter-Party Brics Forum in Vladivostok, Russia. This event saw Thailand applying for membership in the influential intergovernmental bloc Brics, consisting of nations like Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, alongside newcomers Iran, Egypt, Ethiopia, and the United Arab Emirates.
Ms. Paetongtarn’s impassioned speech championed the inclusion of smaller and developing countries in the global political dialogue, a stance warmly welcomed by the Chinese delegation. They conveyed their support for Thailand’s application and expressed hopes for Ms. Paetongtarn’s participation in the upcoming Brics summit.
Minister Maris reflected positively on his visit, underscoring the deep-rooted and ever-strengthening bond between Thailand and China. He conveyed his confidence that his extensive experience as a diplomat would significantly contribute to further solidifying these bilateral ties.
I’m glad to see Thailand and China working together to tackle these call center scams. They have been a plague on so many people!
Yes, but can we trust China to really crack down on their own citizens? Feels like lip service to me.
I think it’s a step in the right direction, even if it won’t solve everything immediately.
If they can’t, maybe Thailand should take stricter measures. I hope this isn’t just a diplomatic show.
Time will tell, but at least they’re making an effort. Thailand alone can’t tackle this problem.
The call center scams are just the tip of the iceberg. We need to address the root causes of such crimes.
Totally! Economic disparity and lack of employment opportunities are huge factors.
Root causes or not, criminals should be punished. Excuses won’t bring back the money people lost!
The high-speed rail project could be a game-changer for trade between Thailand and China.
As long as they don’t cut corners on safety and quality, sure.
It’s not just about trade; think about how much tourism it will boost as well!
True! Tourism is a huge factor. But we need to ensure the environmental impact is considered too.
It’s heartening to see discussions on combating air pollution under the Mekong-Lancang framework. We need more cross-border environmental cooperation.
Absolutely! Pollution doesn’t recognize national borders.
But will these discussions lead to real action or just more empty promises?
I’m hopeful, but skeptical. It’s a complex issue that requires genuine commitment.
Why is the focus only on China and Thailand? What about other ASEAN countries? They are affected too!
Good point! Regional cooperation should be expanded to include more nations.
The support for Thailand’s Brics application is interesting. It could redefine Thailand’s role in the global economy.
Paetongtarn Shinawatra’s speech at the Brics forum was inspiring. We need more leaders who stand up for smaller countries.
All this talk about trade and infrastructure is great, but we should also be focused on improving human rights in these countries.
Exactly! Economic growth should not come at the cost of human rights.
Glad you agree, these issues are often overlooked in favor of profit.
Business and human rights should go hand-in-hand. Easier said than done though.
I wonder if this stronger bond between Thailand and China will affect their relations with Western nations.
It’s possible. Geopolitical dynamics are always shifting.
It may not be a bad thing. More balanced global relations could lead to a more stable world.
So what’s next after this meeting? Are there any concrete steps being taken?
Export of Thai durian to China is booming. It shows how strong trade relations can benefit everyday farmers.
True! It’s one of our national treasures.
I hope ‘Ignite Thailand’ policies aren’t just a bunch of buzzwords without substance.
The conversation around organized crime and narcotics is crucial. These issues have far-reaching impacts on both countries.
I can see the bilateral relationship between Thailand and China evolving into a significant strategic partnership in Asia.
It could very well set a precedent for other regional alliances.
There are so many layers to this dialogue. It’s not just about trade or crime or pollution. They are all interconnected.