Bangkok: Celebrating 50 years of diplomatic ties, Thailand and China jointly launched the "China Tourism Day, May 19th" event at the China Cultural Center in Bangkok. The opening ceremony also marked the commencement of the 4th "I Want to Go to China" short video contest, attended by notable figures including the Chinese Ambassador to Thailand, the Minister of Tourism and Sports, and the Deputy Governor of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT).

According to Thai News Agency, the event, themed "Enjoy Quality Tourism: Journey to Beautiful Lands," brought together hundreds of representatives from the Thai and Chinese tourism sectors, media, and online creators in a vibrant and welcoming atmosphere. In his address, Chinese Ambassador Zhang Jianwei emphasized the deep emotional bond and historical ties between China and Thailand, referencing the successful visit of King Vajiralongkorn to China last year which ushered in a new era of friendship. Ambassador Zhang also highlighted the significance of May 19th as "China Tourism Day," commemorating the famous Chinese traveler Xu Xiaoke, and expressed hopes for Thais to explore China as Xu Xiaoke did.

Minister of Tourism and Sports of Thailand, Mr. Surasak Panjaroenvorakul, praised the collaborative efforts in tourism and cultural exchange between the two nations over the past 50 years, highlighting achievements such as visa facilitation, expanded air routes, and security improvements. He reaffirmed Thailand's commitment to further cooperation with China to promote tourism, regional economic recovery, and cultural exchanges.

The festival's key event, the 4th "I Want to Go to China" Creative Short Video Competition, officially began with the aim of encouraging Thai participants to share their perspectives of China through creative video content, showcasing China's natural beauty, culture, history, and modern image.

A precursor to the main event, the "Intangible Cultural Heritage Theme Park" opening on May 18th, generated significant public interest. The China Cultural Center in Bangkok hosted a workshop featuring 12 different Chinese intangible cultural heritage items, offering hands-on experiences in fur doll making, dough sculpting, Chinese kites, and more. Participants, including Thai citizens, students, and distinguished guests, engaged in these crafts under the guidance of heritage inheritors, gaining insights into Chinese craftsmanship and culture.