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countries in the region. It took strong steps in investment and policy and became an economic superpower in three decades.According to Assoc Prof Sompop Manarungsan, a consultant at the Chinese Studies Centre, Institute of Asian Studies at Chulalongkorn University, China has invested greatly in Myanmar, Laos and Cambodia, where there are many ethnic Chinese, especially Chaozhou, Hakka and Hainanese. These groups play a significant role in Thailand’s economy as well as throughout Southeast Asia. If the railway project from Yunnan to the South of Thailand is successful, it will benefit the economies of both countries. Cooperation has expanded over the year, and there are now over 500 Thai-Chinese projects a year, more than any other country in the region.“Thanks to the special friendshipbetween Thailand and China, we have created a great deal of both material and non-material benefit to the people of our countries,” said Ambassador Ning.“China helped us through many difficult times in the past, never took advantage of our situation nor interfered with our problems for its own benefit,” said Mr Thongchai of the Department of Consular Affairs.Cultural ties have contributed immensely to diplomatic relations, he added, and this relationship is not only about benefits but also friendship and mutual respect, enabling the two countries to prosper.Former ambassador Zhang confirmed that China will not interfere in Thailand’s internal affairs, believing in the capability of Thais of dealing with their own problems, and will never change the policy of friendship.In 1996, bilateral trade betweenThailand and China was worth US$500 million. In 20 years the figure has grown to $70 billion. Thailand had long been China’s second most important regional business partner after Malaysia, though it was pushed to third place last year by the rise of Vietnam.Considering the close relationship and number of economic ties, Thailand and China should have developed more joint large-scale investment projects, Ambassador Ning said.Assoc Prof Sompop explained that China is facing overcapacity, reducing its competitive advantage. Therefore it is trying to shift development from manufacturing to the service sector. If Thailand wants to be a major business partner, it should exploit opportunities in hospitality, such as in hotels, restaurants, travel agencies, entertainment, health care and education, instead of exporting66 Elite+