Thailand takes part in the 98th anniversary celebration of the Chinese People's Liberation Army, reinforcing ties with China.
The 98th anniversary celebration of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) in Thailand took place on July 31, 2025, at the Shangri-La Hotel in Bangkok. This significant event coincided with the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Thailand and China, emphasizing the strong and longstanding ties between the two nations.
The celebration was attended by important figures, including Wanida Phansa-ard, Deputy Permanent Secretary of Thailand’s Ministry of Tourism and Sports, and Major General Zhang Linhong, Defence Attaché of the Chinese Embassy in Thailand.
During the event, Thailand expressed its support for strengthening cooperation with China across multiple sectors such as tourism, sports, culture, and security. The Ministry of Tourism and Sports pledged to advance collaborative efforts aimed at fostering mutual understanding and enhancing regional stability, reinforcing the diplomatic relationship between the two countries.
The celebration in Thailand was distinct in highlighting the bilateral relationship and diplomatic milestones with China. While the PLA's 98th anniversary was officially marked on August 1, 2025, in China with receptions and the release of thematic media such as music videos showcasing the Chinese military’s developments, the event in Thailand focused on the diplomatic and cultural cooperation between the two countries.
Major General Zhang Linhong, the Defence Attaché of the Chinese Embassy in Thailand, welcomed Wanida Phansa-ard at the event, symbolizing the strong bond between the two countries. The event was a testament to the commitment of both nations to deepen their bilateral collaboration in various fields.
[1] Source: The Nation Thailand, "China-Thailand military ties on display at PLA anniversary event," 1 August 2025. [2] Source: Xinhua News Agency, "China marks 98th anniversary of PLA founding with grand celebration," 1 August 2025. [3] Source: People's Daily, "PLA marks 98th anniversary with thematic music videos," 1 August 2025. [4] Source: China Military Online, "PLA marks 98th anniversary with military parade," 1 August 2025.
- The event in Thailand served as a platform for conversation about fostering cooperation between China and Thailand in sectors such as tourism, sports, culture, and security, as highlighted by Wanida Phansa-ard, Deputy Permanent Secretary of Thailand’s Ministry of Tourism and Sports.
- The economy and politics are not excluded from this cooperation, as evident in the minister's pledge to advance collaborative efforts aimed at strengthening relationships and enhancing regional stability, contributing to the general news about the growing ties between the two countries.
- The sports sector is also part of this collaboration, given the presence of Major General Zhang Linhong, Defence Attaché of the Chinese Embassy in Thailand, who was in attendance to symbolize the strong bond between the nations.
- In the realm of culture, the event demonstrated the mutual understanding and appreciation between China and Thailand, as shown by thefocus on diplomatic and cultural cooperation, different from the military parades and thematic media releases in China coinciding with the PLA's 98th anniversary.
