Thai King, Queen Receive Grand Welcome in Beijing on Historic Visit
BEIJING, Nov 14 (TNA) - Their Majesties King Maha Vajiralongkorn and Queen Suthida were accorded the highest state honors at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on Friday, officially commencing their state visit to the People's Republic of China from November 13-17, 2025.
Chinese President Xi Jinping and his wife, Madame Peng Liyuan, greeted Their Majesties upon their arrival for the official welcoming ceremony.
Key Thai officials present included Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow, both serving as Ministers of Honour. The ceremony saw the King and President Xi observe a review of the Guard of Honour while a 21-gun salute was fired at Tiananmen Square, a customary honor for a visiting Head of State. The military band played both the Thai Royal Anthem and the Chinese National Anthem.
Following the ceremony, the King and Queen held a meeting with President Xi and Madame Peng in the Beijing Room. President Xi offered condolences regarding the passing of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit The Queen Mother, and King Maha Vajiralongkorn expressed his gratitude for the warm welcome, stating he was pleased to visit China again and see the progress of Beijing.
Later, Their Majesties granted an audience to Premier Li Qiang in the East Room. Premier Li conveyed his appreciation for the royal couple maintaining their visit schedule during Thailand's period of mourning, emphasizing the strong bonds between the two nations and discussing various areas of bilateral cooperation.
The King remarked that the consistently warm reception made him feel "like returning home." The official state visit is set to continue, with the President and his wife scheduled to host a formal state dinner for the King and Queen at the Great Hall of the People on Friday evening.
