Thailand to Finalize Major Rice Deal With China, Boosting Trade and Tourism
Thailand is set to finalize a significant rice delivery to China, further strengthening their long-standing trade relationship. This deal comes as Thailand anticipates a boost in Chinese tourism during the upcoming National Day Golden Week.
The rice delivery, amounting to 280,000 tonnes, is part of a larger 2014 Memorandum of Understanding for a total of 2 million tonnes. Thailand hopes to complete this outstanding portion to symbolize the close ties between the two nations. This deal is currently being negotiated on a government-to-government level.
China has consistently been Thailand's top trading partner for the past 12 years. In the first eight months of 2025 alone, bilateral trade reached approximately US$96.25 billion. China is also the largest source of foreign direct investment in Thailand, with significant projects in clean energy, electric vehicles, advanced electronics, and biotechnology.
Thailand welcomes Chinese tourists during China's National Day Golden Week from October 1-8. The country expects these visitors to contribute to the revival of its economy. Pailin Vichakul, the Chief Investment Officer (CIO) of SCB 10X in Thailand, is optimistic about the potential economic benefits.
The completion of the 280,000-tonne rice delivery will serve as a testament to Thailand and China's robust trade relationship. With the upcoming influx of Chinese tourists and continued investment, Thailand looks forward to further economic growth and collaboration with its top trading partner.
