Thai Government Delegation’s visit to Huangshan underscores “China-Thailand: One Family” and advances cooperation on World Heritage protection

In front of Huangshan’s iconic Guest-Welcoming Pine, a banner reading “China-Thailand: One Family” was unfurled. Members of the high-level Thai delegation chanted the phrase in both Chinese and Thai, their faces radiating warmth and goodwill.

On October 17, the 2025 General Assembly of the RCEP Member States World Heritage Cooperation Alliance (RCEP-WHCA) kicked off in Huangshan city, east China’s Anhui Province. Over 180 representatives from World Heritage sites and related institutions across the 15 RCEP member states convened to discuss the protection and sustainable development of World Heritage sites.

The Thai government dispatched a high-level delegation led by Dr. Bannaruk Sermthong, Secretary-General of the the Office of Natural Resources and Environmental Policy and Planning (ONEP). The delegation comprised officials responsible for culture, natural resources, and environmental protection.

The conference featured a comprehensive agenda, including plenary sessions, cooperation signing ceremonies, keynote addresses, case-study presentations, and report launches. Delegates reviewed and adopted the Alliance Charter, elected members to the Secretariat, and unveiled the Alliance’s official plaque.RCEP member states collectively account for 178 World Heritage sites — 117 cultural, 51 natural, and 10 mixed. These sites are not only treasures of humanity and nature but also important assets for RCEP members in building shared cultural identity and promoting socio-economic development.

The Thai delegation played a significant role at the conference. On behalf of the Thai government, Dr. Bannaruk Sermthong presided over the Alliance’s unveiling ceremony.

Mr. Bundit Thongaram, Cheif of the Kamphaeng Phet Historical Park, Fine Arts Department, Thailand, delivered a keynote on new pathways for cultural-tourism integration among RCEP heritage sites. Mr. Sumeth Dechatuntrakool, Director of National World Heritage and Biosphere Reserve Subdivision, Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation, Thailand, shared Thailand’s practical experiences in heritage conservation.

Thailand has extensive experience in natural heritage conservation. It currently manages 156 national parks, 58 wildlife sanctuaries, 67 non-hunting areas, and 120 forest parks — covering nearly 31% of the country’s land area — and has developed a comprehensive national park management system.

The phrase “China and Thailand are one family” aptly reflects the enduring bond between the two nations — a sentiment fully embodied in the China-Thailand Cultural Tourism Carnivals held in November 2024 and August 2025. After the conference, the Thai delegation conducted field visits to the Huangshan Scenic Area and the Dalingshan Tourism Resort in Huizhou District, engaging in in-depth discussions with local officials on cultural-tourism integration. In front of the iconic Guest-Welcoming Pine, the delegation raised a banner reading “China-Thailand: One Family” and chanted the phrase in both languages — a touching display of friendship and solidarity.

During the conference, the Alliance signed cooperation agreements with the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) and the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC). Cooperation agreements were signed between Huangshan (Anhui, China) and Ha Long Bay (Vietnam), Huanglong Scenic and Historic Interest Area (Sichuan, China), and between Tunxi Old Street (Anhui, China) and the Historic City of Malacca (Malaysia).

These cooperative outcomes stem from the implementation of the “Huangshan Initiative,” issued in June this year, which calls for the creation of an international platform for exchange, enhancing the global profile of RCEP heritage sites, and jointly expanding cultural-tourism markets to promote sustainable development.

The Guest-Welcoming Pine, one of Huangshan’s famed “Five Wonders,” stands as a symbol of friendship between the Chinese people and the world.

Under its witness, China-Thailand friendship has entered a new chapter. Like the ancient pine that opens its arms to visitors, the bond between the two nations transcends mountains and rivers, and grows ever stronger with time.