Royal Family Member Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn greets the Chinese icebreaker "Xue Long 2" on its inaugural voyage to Thailand
Thai-Chinese Friendship Celebrated with Visit of Chinese Icebreaker "Xue Long 2"
The Chinese icebreaker ship "Xue Long 2" made a historic visit to Thailand, symbolising the 50th anniversary of Thai-Chinese friendship and the 70th birthday celebrations of Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn [1].
This visit, which took place at Chuk Samet Pier in Sattahip, Chonburi Province, marked a significant milestone in the strengthening ties between Thailand and China [2]. The "Xue Long 2" is a state-of-the-art polar research vessel, making its first visit to Thailand [3].
The welcoming ceremony for the "Xue Long 2" was attended by Thai government officials, representatives from various research institutions, and nearly 300 guests [4]. Among the distinguished guests were Chinese Ambassador Han Zhiqiang and China's Vice Minister of Natural Resources, Sun Shuxian [5].
Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn, who is widely respected for her contributions to science, education, and international relations, expressed her gratitude to China for allowing Thai scientists to participate in China's polar exploration [6]. She also praised China's outstanding achievements in polar scientific research and highlighted the 12-year success of the Sirindhorn Thailand-China Joint Antarctic Research Laboratory [7].
During her tour of the "Xue Long 2", the princess visited the control room, laboratory, living quarters, and medical facilities aboard the ship [8]. The princess's tour was followed by public tours of the ship, which were open from May 19 to May 23 at Chuk Samet Pier, Sattahip Commercial Port, Sattahip Naval Base, Chonburi Province [9].
The visit of the "Xue Long 2" to Thailand served both as a tribute to Princess Sirindhorn's milestone birthday and to commemorate the long-standing partnership between Thailand and China, celebrating diplomatic, cultural, and scientific ties. This convergence of events emphasized mutual respect and ongoing collaboration between the two countries.
References:
- Bangkok Post
- China Daily
- Reuters
- Thai PBS World
- China.org.cn
- Thai Public Broadcasting Service
- Xinhua News Agency
- Chinese Embassy in Thailand
- The Nation
- The visit of the Chinese icebreaker "Xue Long 2" in Thailand facilitated conversations about technology, as the vessel is a state-of-the-art polar research vessel.
- The strong political bonds between Thailand and China were on display in the visit, coinciding with significant policy-and-legislation milestones, including the 50th anniversary of Thai-Chinese friendship and the 70th birthday celebrations of Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn.
- The general news cycle was abuzz with the business implications of the visit, particularly the opportunities for scientific collaborations that could stem from the strength of China's polar scientific research as demonstrated by the "Xue Long 2."
