THE government of Thailand expressed its appreciation for being a partner of China in sectors like energy and high-speed rail construction and hope for expanded partnership in the coming years.
In a recent interview, Deputy Prime Minister of Thailand Pirapan Salirathavibhaga relayed the country’s willingness to strengthen cooperation with China through the Belt and Road Initiative before attending a meeting of political parties and think tanks from Southeast and South Asian countries in the Chinese city of Kunming held a few days ago.
“Ten years ago, he proposed the initiative, which originated from China’s ancient Silk Road. The Silk Road played an important role in promoting economic and social connectivity among Southeast Asian countries. Thailand is very glad to join the initiative, which encompasses relevant concepts on clean energy. It is consistent with the energy policies put forward by our government,” Pirapan Salirathavibhaga said.
The deputy prime minister also expressed Thailand’s desire to expand ties with Thailand beyond the infrastructure sector.
“Currently I serve as the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Energy of the Thai government, and I’m in charge of related work in the energy sector. So I hope that in future, Thailand and China can vigorously strengthen cooperation on clean energy, as well as cooperation in basic energy including petroleum, fuel oil and electricity,” he added.
The Thai official said that the BRI’s move of promoting connectivity in transportation attracted many countries like Thailand that are very supportive of high-speed railway development.
The deputy prime minister expressed the Thai government’s determination to accelerate the construction of the Thai-China Railway and to solve any challenges during the implementation of the project.
