King Maha Vajiralongkorn of Thailand arrived in Beijing on November 13, 2025, for a five-day state visit at the invitation of Chinese President Xi Jinping. This marks the first visit by a Thai monarch since the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries in 1975, coinciding with the 50th anniversary of bilateral ties.
During his stay, the Thai King will hold separate meetings with President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Qiang. Analysts anticipate discussions will focus on enhancing economic cooperation, particularly in infrastructure development and digital innovation, as part of China's Belt and Road Initiative framework.
King Maha Vajiralongkorn, who ascended the throne in 2016 as Rama X, represents a continuation of Thailand's centuries-old monarchy. His 2019 coronation ceremony drew global attention to the nation's cultural traditions, a theme likely to resonate during cultural exchange programs scheduled in Shanghai later this week.
The visit holds particular significance for Southeast Asian markets, with Thailand currently serving as ASEAN's second-largest economy. Business leaders are watching for potential agreements in renewable energy and cross-border e-commerce sectors.
