Experts call for open dialogue on ‘grey’ Chinese investments in Thailand

Amid rising concerns in Thailand over ‘grey’ Chinese investments and the influx of low-cost imports, scholars and business leaders have called for greater transparency and dialogue to preserve the deep-rooted ties between the two nations.

Speaking at a forum, marking the 50th anniversary of formal Sino-Thai relations, they emphasised the need for mutual understanding, to address economic tensions while strengthening cultural and people-to-people connections.

Professor Zhang Xizheng, who has spent decades living in Thailand, used the Chinese idiom yu mu hun zhu, meaning "some counterfeit among the real", to illustrate that only a small portion of Chinese investments fall into the ‘grey’ area.

He remains confident, however, that relations between the two countries can be further strengthened if open dialogue is established.

“The trend of Chinese enterprises investing in Thailand has been very strong. In recent years, Chinese investment in Thailand has increased, amid tighter measures in China. This may have caused some concern or doubt in Thailand. As both sides continue to address and resolve these issues, however, such concerns can be allayed,” he remarked.

In addition, a business leader also emphasised the need for ongoing dialogue to tackle ‘grey’ investment and the dumping of cheap products.

While bilateral annual trade reached 115.85 billion US dollars in 2024, Kriengkrai Thiennukul, Chairman of the Federation of Thai Industries, stressed that the longstanding friendship between Thailand and China should be preserved through sincere conversations.

Kriengkrai added, though, that people-to-people ties and cultural connections truly symbolise the deep-rooted relationship between the two countries, which has spanned hundreds of years, and that both governments should further enhance relations through soft power.

Meanwhile, Pornpawis Lhapeerakul, a young Thai lecturer pursuing his master's and doctorate studies in Shanghai, said that China has become a modern country, a view based on his academic experience in the metropolis, and suggested that Thai people visit various provinces across China.

“Since China’s reform and opening-up, we have come to witness the country gradually develop and transform. Nowadays, it is very convenient for Thais to travel to China. This represents one of the major changes over the past 50 years in Sino-Thai relations,” he highlighted.

By Franc Han Shih, Thai PBS World