Thai King Becomes Country’s First Monarch to Visit China

King Maha Vajiralongkorn of Thailand arrived in China, marking the first-ever visit by a reigning Thai monarch.

This is King Vajiralongkorn’s first major state visit since ascending the throne nine years ago; earlier this year, he made an official trip to Bhutan. (Photo: Ministry of National Defense, People’s Republic of China) 

Chinese President Xi Jinping invited the king to commemorate the 50th anniversary of diplomatic ties between the two countries, established in 1975, Jonathan Head reported for BBC News.

The Thai government said the trip “underlines the deep-rooted friendship and mutual understanding shared between Thailand and China at all levels.” China is believed to have been pushing for this visit for several years.

In Beijing, the king and Queen Suthida are set to visit sites including the Lingguang Buddhist Temple and Beijing Aerospace City. President Xi and his wife will also host a state banquet for the Thai royals.

This is King Vajiralongkorn’s first major state visit since ascending the throne nine years ago; earlier this year, he made an official trip to Bhutan.

By contrast, the most high-profile overseas visits by his father, King Bhumibol, were to the United States in the 1960s, when Thailand was a key Cold War ally and a vital base for U.S. operations in Indochina.

While Thailand remains a formal military ally of the United States, relations with China have grown steadily closer in recent years.

Ties with Washington have been strained by U.S. criticism of Thailand’s human rights record, President Trump’s tariffs, and perceptions of declining American commitment to regional partners.

China is now Thailand’s largest trading partner — and increasingly a competitor to the U.S. as a supplier of military equipment.