Media seen as key to strengthening evolving Thailand-China partnership

The relationship between Thailand and China is often described as uniquely close and unlike any other bilateral ties in the world. This bond extends beyond government-level cooperation to deep-rooted people-to-people connections.

The dynamics of this relationship have, though, evolved over time, with some changes strengthening the partnership and others introducing new challenges, as both nations continue to develop.

In this shifting landscape, the media is expected to play a pivotal role in reinforcing mutual understanding and trust. So, how exactly can it rise to this challenge?

From L; Kavi Chongkittavorn, Mongkol Bangprapa, Korkhet Chantalertlak, Li Min and Phongsathat Sukhaphong

Four veteran journalists, from Thailand and China, discussed the role of media in strengthening Sino-Thai relations, during a recent forum held to commemorate the 50th anniversary of formal Sino-Thai relations.

“How will Thailand and China move forward as partners and how equal will our relationship be?” asked Kavi Chongkittavorn.

He emphasised the critical role of the media in shaping public understanding of this rapidly evolving relationship.

He pointed to a significant challenge, namely that many Thai journalists lack the depth of knowledge required to report effectively on such a sensitive and complex issue, as they rely heavily on secondary sources from Western news outlets.

Mongkol Bangprapa, Advisor to the National Press Council of Thailand, added that receiving narratives about China through second-, third-, or fourth-hand sources makes it difficult to verify credibility or detect potential biases and hidden agenda.

Nevertheless, he pointed out that things have improved in recent years. Since China opened up and strengthened information-sharing with other Asian countries, Thai media have gained more direct access to China-related news in English.

“In the future, I believe Thai reporters will be able to receive Chinese stories directly in Mandarin, which will help reduce misunderstandings,” said Mongkol, who also emphasized that cultural differences should be taken into account, as misunderstandings often arise from a lack of cross-cultural understanding.

In Thailand nowadays, China Media Group (CMG), a Chinese government-owned media organisation, presents Chinese news directly in the Thai language and serves as a firsthand source for Thai media and general public, while providing a bridge for Sino-Thai relations.

Li Min, head of the China Media Group (CMG) Bangkok Bureau

“Thai audiences are generally drawn to topics such as Chinese politics, science, technology and large-scale infrastructure projects,” said Li Min, head of the China Media Group (CMG) Bangkok Bureau.

When it comes to coverage of Thailand for a Chinese audience, she pointed out that it primarily focuses on positive stories. “Our journalistic principle is that we do not present any negative news,” she added.

Li Min, who is fluent in Thai, emphasised that, while consuming Thai media, she noticed a significant amount of negative news about China, especially about Chinese scam gangs or shady Chinese businesses.

Meanwhile, Korkhet Chantalertluk, Director of the News Department at Thai PBS, emphasised that Thai mainstream media strives to present the truth, whether it is positive or negative.

He explained that this commitment to truth does not mean Thai media intentionally create misunderstandings between Thailand and China.

Rather, it is essential for the media to present well-rounded stories that can lead to mutual and constructive solutions.

In his view, when conflicts arise, the media should first avoid escalating the situation. Secondly, they should help to reduce tensions between the two countries and, ultimately, contribute to building mutual understanding.

“When Thai media report on shady Chinese businesses, we raise the question of why Thai authorities allow this to happen. We do not generalise or judge all Chinese people or businesses,” he said.

He added that Thai mainstream media consistently acknowledge that most Chinese businesses operating in Thailand are legitimate and law-abiding.

The forum, “50 Years of Thai-China Relations: Reflecting on the Past and Looking to the Future”, was organized by Thai PBS and the Thai-Chinese Strategic Research Center and held on June 11, 2025, at the Eastin Grand Hotel Phaya Thai in Bangkok.