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The Sino-Thai rail projectis the most urgent matterat the moment, as transportation is key to more employment, higher income, lower transport fees and economic growthSarasin Viraphol, executive vice-president of Charoen Pokphand Group, said it had been his dream to go to China when he was a child, and the dream could be realized when then prime minister MR Kukrit Pramoj initiated diplomatic relations with China in Beijing in 1975. Dr Sarasin said the countries have maintained the “continuity” of the relationship through 40 years, thanks to the royal institution and individuals who travelled to China, despite many changes in governments and policies. It shows that not only politicians but normal people can solidify and enhance the relationship.Dr Sarasin thinks the Sino-Thai rail project is the most urgent matter at the moment, as transportation is key to more employment, higher income, lower transport fees and economic growth. The project will contribute to mutual benefits between China and Thailand, but unfortunately it is still in the planning stage after three governments. “We’re in the same boat,” he said. “There are storms and it is our shared responsibility to steer the boat towards the same goal.”Joe Horn-Phathanothai, founder and CEO of Strategy 613 Company, was another speaker at the forum. His mother and uncle were sent to Beijing as political hostages, to live with Zhou Enlai, first premier of the People’s Republic. As he was showing family photos,24 Elite+