Chauffeured by PM, Wang Yi gets warm Thai welcome

The visit to Thailand of Wang Yi, China’s foreign minister, began with a carefully prepared Thai welcome, infused with personal touches that underscored the warmth of the ties between the long-time allies.

Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul even acted as Wang Yi’s tour guide around Government House and personal chauffeur.

During the tour, which included the prime minister’s office, Anutin pointed to a painting of a horse on the wall, noting that it represents his birth year, the Chinese Year of the Horse.

Refreshments prepared for Wang Yi and his delegation included durian and khao lam (sticky rice in bamboo), said to be among the Chinese minister’s favourite foods.

Thai desserts, such as look choop (fruit-shaped mung bean dessert) and khanom sod sai (steamed flour with coconut filling) were also served.

For an official luncheon at a Bangkok hotel, Anutin acted as chauffeur, using his own Chinese-made electric vehicle, a BYD.

The prime minister was seen opening the passenger-side door for Wang Yi before taking getting behind the wheel and driving out.

Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow was seated in the rear. As they drove out of Government House, Anutin and Wang Yi waved to members of the waiting media.

After lunch, Wang Yi travelled to Krabi to co-chair a foreign ministers’ meeting with Sihasak. At Krabi International Airport, he was welcomed by Governor Angkoon Silathevakul.

Wang Yi paused to praise the governor’s white silk outfit with a Mandarin-style collar, describing it as elegant.

Angkoon later told the media that he mentioned that the attire reflects a shared cultural identity between Thailand and China and represents ‘Peranakan’ identity, blending Thai-Chinese, Thai-Buddhist and Thai-Muslim cultures.

Sihasak, meanwhile, quoted Wang Yi as saying that Krabi, the venue for the talks, is one of his favourite places due to its natural setting and popularity among tourists.