China-Thailand relations have evolved into a multifaceted partnership influenced by economic cooperation, political engagements, and regional connectivity. As China strengthens its presence in Southeast Asia through strategic investments and initiatives like the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), Thailand faces the challenge of balancing economic opportunities with concerns over dependency and trade imbalances. This analysis examines the contrasting narratives of the Chinese government and Thai media, highlighting key themes in security, economic development, technology collaboration, and infrastructure investments. While China presents the relationship as one of mutual prosperity and regional stability, Thai media adopts a more pragmatic and critical stance, reflecting domestic policy debates and economic priorities. The findings reveal a divergence in perspectives, with China’s discourse aligning with its global strategy and Thai media emphasizing immediate economic concerns and transparency. Understanding these differing narratives provides valuable insights for policymakers and stakeholders navigating the complexities of China-Thailand relations. The entire CAA Paper is available here.
