Thai PM Anutin's China Visit Focuses on AI Investment and EU Trade Deal

Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul led a delegation to the People’s Republic of China from 16–20 July. The itinerary included Shanghai, Chengdu and Beijing, where he attended the World Artificial Intelligence Conference 2026 and opened a Thailand Board of Investment office in Chengdu. He met President Xi Jinping and discussed expanding cooperation in high‑tech sectors, positioning Thailand as a potential data‑center and manufacturing base for Chinese AI firms.

The visit also featured talks with European business councils, reaffirming Thailand’s aim to finalize the Thailand‑EU free‑trade agreement by the end of 2026. Anutin highlighted ongoing efforts to boost trade, attract foreign investment, and advance Thailand’s bid for OECD membership, while emphasizing broader security and anti‑corruption collaboration with China.