On the evening of September 24, 2018, Chinese Ambassador to Thailand Lyu Jian and Madame Pan Peng hosted a reception at the Shangri-La Hotel in Bangkok, in celebration of the 69th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China. Around 1,000 guests, including Thai Privy Councilor Palakorn Suwanarat, President Pornpetch Wichitcholchai of the National Legislative Assembly of Thailand, Thai Minister of Tourism and Sports Weerasak Kowsurat, senior officials and representatives from Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Commerce, Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Labour and other government agencies, generals and representatives from the military, chief members of some political parties, public figures, diplomatic envoys in Thailand, as well as representatives of overseas Chinese, Chinese-funded enterprises, volunteer teachers and Chinese students, attended the reception. Madame Li Bin, Vice Chairperson of the 13th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), who was visiting Thailand, was also invited to the reception.
 |
 |
Ambassador Lyu gave his sincere thanks to friends from all walks of life who have shown understanding for China in her endeavor to develop and support for China-Thailand friendship, and extended his cordial greetings and best wishes to the overseas Chinese in Thailand. He said that the extraordinary journey over the past 69 years has seen the Chinese people, with concerted and determined efforts, launch the great cause of socialism with Chinese characteristics, improve considerably people's living standards, and elevate China's international standing. The Chinese nation has achieved a tremendous transformation, as it has stood up, grown rich, and become strong. This year marks the 40th anniversary of China's reform and opening up. What has happened proves that reform and opening up is a crucial move that shapes China's future. It has not only brought enormous changes to China, but also greatly influenced the whole world. China is becoming the driver, forerunner and contributor of economic globalization. As the socialism of Chinese characteristics has entered a new era, China's reform and opening up has also taken on new features. There will be more measures to secure opening up, more endogenous impetus for growth, and more high-level international cooperation, which means more contributions and opportunities for the world.
 |
 |
Ambassador Lyu stressed that China will continue to work together with the rest of the world for a better future. Following Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, China will work to build a new type of international relations, promote a community with a shared future for mankind, deepen reform on all fronts, press ahead with the Belt and Road and carry out more exchanges and mutual learning with other countries around the world.
 |
 |
Ambassador Lyu pointed out that Thailand is a good neighbor, good friend and good partner for China. China-Thailand relations enjoy a long history, a solid foundation, advantages and a bright future. China is ready to work with the Thai side to boost cooperation in modern agriculture, high-end manufacturing, new energy, e-commerce, people-to-people and cultural exchange, education, training and other areas, so as to deliver more benefits to people from the two countries. It is believed that with our concerted efforts, the bilateral friendship will continue to blossom and bear fruits, and the bilateral cooperation will make further progress.
 |
 |
The guests expressed their warm congratulations on the 69th birthday of the People's Republic of China, spoke highly of China's remarkable achievements over the past 40 years of reform and opening up, appreciated the principle of extensive consultation, joint contribution and shared benefits upheld by China in the Belt and Road Initiative, and praised China for making significant contributions to world peace and development. The Thai side welcomes the development of China and the important role played by China, and stands ready to join China in further synergizing their development strategies, deepening practical cooperation across the board under the Belt and Road framework, and adding impetus to Thailand 4.0, digital Thailand, Eastern Economic Corridor and sustainable development of Thailand.
 |
 |
The reception was held on the day of Mid-Autumn festival. In a joyous and friendly atmosphere, all the guests were invited to join the celebration of the festival and enjoy traditional Chinese food. They were also attracted by a short documentary called "China 2018" played at the reception and the photo exhibition on reform and opening up as well as China-Thailand relations. Dances, acrobatics and other wonderful performance by the Guangdong Southern Song and Dance Troupe won applause from the audience.
