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Exclusive: Thai deputy PM on blood ties, Chinese tourist magic and Belt and Road synergy
29:13

Leaders often make news, but nothing prepared Thai Deputy Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul for the overwhelming interest when he welcomed the first Chinese tourists this year at the Bangkok airport. In today's Leaders Talk exclusive, Anutin talks about the blood ties between Thais and Chinese, including his own roots in southern China, and how that has contributed to stable and close bilateral ties. 

The arrival of Chinese tourists in Thailand after a long hiatus has brought cheer to the tourism industry, and Anutin says he is "touched and proud" that most Chinese taking part in a survey named Thailand as their first preferred travel destination. Anutin, who is also the Thai minister of public health, explains why Thailand will not discriminate against travelers based on nationality, why he has complete faith in Chinese vaccines, and how Thailand can add value to the Belt and Road Initiative. He tells CGTN's Li Tongtong why neutral Thailand always supports China's global initiatives: Because all progress and development is premised on world peace.

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