Bangkok: A warm welcome to the Year of the Horse! The Prime Minister attended the Chinese New Year celebration at the Chinese Embassy, reaffirming the close relationship between China and Thailand: "China and Thailand are not strangers, but brothers and sisters."
According to Thai News Agency, the Prime Minister attended the Chinese New Year celebrations for the Year of the Horse at the Chinese Embassy, reaffirming the close Thai-Chinese relationship with the motto "Zhong Tai Yi Jia Qin" (Happy New Year, China and Thailand are not strangers, but brothers and sisters).
Today, at the Embassy of the People's Republic of China in Bangkok, Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Anutin Charnvirakul, along with his wife, Mrs. Thanon Nirami, and their delegation, attended a reception celebrating the Chinese New Year, the Year of the Horse 2026, at the invitation of His Excellency Mr. Zhang Jianwei, Ambassador of the People's Republic of China to Thailand.
On this occasion, the Prime Minister and his wife watched various Chinese folk performances, including the Yingge dance, lion dance, and Chinese New Year cultural performances. They also visited an exhibition showcasing Chinese folk culture reflecting the unique identity and beauty of Chinese culture, and participated in the lion eye-painting ceremony, a traditional Chinese ritual symbolizing the opening of the eyes and the awakening of life into the auspicious lion. This signifies bringing happiness, prosperity, and stability to the people, as well as reflecting the strong friendship and long-standing relationship between Thailand and China.
The Prime Minister then delivered an opening speech in Chinese titled "Embracing the Chinese New Year," expressing gratitude on behalf of the Thai people to President Xi Jinping and the Chinese people for the warm welcome extended by His Majesty the King and Her Majesty the Queen during their visit to the People's Republic of China. He also thanked Ambassador Zhang Jianwei for his hospitality and invitation to the reception.
The Prime Minister reiterated the strong relationship between Thailand and China, stating, "China and Thailand are not strangers, but brothers and sisters." He also extended his best wishes to all Thai people of Chinese descent and all Chinese people for a happy Chinese New Year, the Year of the Horse, wishing them good fortune and the fulfillment of all their wishes. Furthermore, he expressed his hope that the friendship and cooperation between the two countries would continue to endure and become even stronger.