Thailand: China's official visit will boost bilateral ties
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The upcoming official visit by China's top legislator will boost bilateral parliamentary relationship, Chai Chidchob, President of Thai National Assembly said in an interview with Xinhua.
Wu Bangguo, the chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress, China's highest legislature, is scheduled to visit Thailand on Nov. 10-13 following his goodwill visit to Cambodia and Indonesia.
Wu is going to meet with Chai and Thai Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva during his visit.
In January, Chai paid a visit to China at the invitation of Wu and became the first foreign parliamentary leader to visit China in 2010.
"I was warmly welcomed by the Chairman, giving me an impression of deep Sino-Thai relationship which dated back 600 years ago during King Narai's reign," Chai said.
About the joint high-speed railway project that China has offered to financially and technologically support Thai government, he said the Thai government is planning to build five internal high-speed tracks.
"The parliament has already approved the negotiation framework last week in response to Chairman Wu's visit."
With the parliamentary endorsement, Thailand will be able to pursue official negotiation on the project with Chinese government.
According to the framework, there are five possible routes of high-speed train linking Bangkok with other parts of Thailand -- Bangkok-northeastern Nongkhai, Bangkok- central Rayong, Bangkok- southernmost Padang Beza, Bangkok- northeastern Ubon Ratchathani and Bangkok-northern Chiang Mai.
Chai said Thailand needs help from China described as an "elder brother".
Thailand will tighten security during Wu's visit, he said.
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