Thailand Welcomes China’s Further Opening as Catalyst for Global-South Partnership
Thai economist says China’s enhanced openness creates new growth pathways for Thailand and other developing nations
Thailand views China’s renewed commitment to opening-up as a major opportunity for deeper collaboration across the Global South, according to Thai economist Sompop Manarungsan.
He noted that China’s emphasis on technological innovation and talent development underpins not only Beijing’s own growth but offers shared benefits to partner nations.
Sompop, president of Bangkok’s Panyapiwat Institute of Management, said China’s model differs from Western approaches: whereas the West emphasises individualism, China places greater priority on inclusiveness and common prosperity.
He cited China’s recent strides in science and technology, supported by heavy investment in STEM education, as evidence of this strategy.
In the interview he pointed out that Thailand and China already enjoy strong economic linkages.
For example, bilateral trade reached approximately US$76.1 billion in the first half of this year, a year-on-year increase of about 17 per cent — and China remains Thailand’s largest trading partner and top destination for roughly 40 per cent of Thai agriculture exports.
Thailand is currently implementing its 13th National Economic and Social Development Plan (2023-27), while China prepares for its 15th Five-Year Plan, giving the two countries aligned development horizons.
Sompop highlighted emerging fields for cooperation: smart tourism, digital services, artificial intelligence and green-energy technology.
He suggested that Thailand’s favorable geography and solar resources could benefit from China’s experience in renewable energy deployment, and that Thailand is ready to adopt such frameworks.
He also argued that trade and investment partnerships aligned with China’s openness will allow Thailand and other developing countries to participate more fully in innovation-led growth.
The Thai economist’s remarks reflect a broader regional trend: as China moves to deepen its engagement with the Global South, countries such as Thailand are positioning themselves to leverage this shift.
By aligning policy, investment and education strategies, Bangkok aims to full advantage of new opportunities in high-technology and sustainable sectors while strengthening its bilateral ties with Beijing.
He noted that China’s emphasis on technological innovation and talent development underpins not only Beijing’s own growth but offers shared benefits to partner nations.
Sompop, president of Bangkok’s Panyapiwat Institute of Management, said China’s model differs from Western approaches: whereas the West emphasises individualism, China places greater priority on inclusiveness and common prosperity.
He cited China’s recent strides in science and technology, supported by heavy investment in STEM education, as evidence of this strategy.
In the interview he pointed out that Thailand and China already enjoy strong economic linkages.
For example, bilateral trade reached approximately US$76.1 billion in the first half of this year, a year-on-year increase of about 17 per cent — and China remains Thailand’s largest trading partner and top destination for roughly 40 per cent of Thai agriculture exports.
Thailand is currently implementing its 13th National Economic and Social Development Plan (2023-27), while China prepares for its 15th Five-Year Plan, giving the two countries aligned development horizons.
Sompop highlighted emerging fields for cooperation: smart tourism, digital services, artificial intelligence and green-energy technology.
He suggested that Thailand’s favorable geography and solar resources could benefit from China’s experience in renewable energy deployment, and that Thailand is ready to adopt such frameworks.
He also argued that trade and investment partnerships aligned with China’s openness will allow Thailand and other developing countries to participate more fully in innovation-led growth.
The Thai economist’s remarks reflect a broader regional trend: as China moves to deepen its engagement with the Global South, countries such as Thailand are positioning themselves to leverage this shift.
By aligning policy, investment and education strategies, Bangkok aims to full advantage of new opportunities in high-technology and sustainable sectors while strengthening its bilateral ties with Beijing.
