Thailand promises strong competition and baskets of fruit in Asiad

Editor's note: In the run-up to the 16th Asian Games, being held in Guangzhou in November, China Daily will be publishing a series of special reports regarding "Diplomats' Views on the 2010 Asiad" throughout March, during the NPC and CPPCC conferences.

Sports stars will not be the only contribution Thailand makes to the Asian Games in Guangzhou. The country also plans to provide fresh fruits and fragrant rice for the event.

Rathakit Manathat, the Thailand ambassador, is showing Le Yang Yang, the Mascot of 2010 Asian Games.

Rathakit Manathat, the Thailand ambassador to China said, "The Thai Government is in the process of discussing with the Chinese leaders and authorities concerned to provide various kinds of our famous Thai fresh fruits, for example, durian, longan and rose apple, and Thai fragrant rice for the Games, not only for the Chinese and international VIPs who will attend the Games, but also for all the athletes and staff."

Since diplomatic relations were established in 1975 Thailand and China have witnessed the smooth development of their relations and frequent exchanges between high profile figures.

Thailand hosted the Asian Games four times in 1966, 1970, 1978 and 1998. Bangkok was also the host of the first Southeast Asian Games in 1959 and Summer Universiade in 2007.

Bangkok's popular modern sports are football, golf, bowling and horse racing. In particular, horse racing is one of the most popular sports in the capital, Bangkok.

Many modern sports were introduced to the people of Bangkok a century ago by King Chulalongkorn. Horse racing began in Bangkok when the king bestowed land for the first racecourse.

"The Thai government and people, especially our athletes, are looking forward to the Guangzhou Games enthusiastically. We will do our best and surely contribute to the success of the Games," said Manathat.

He added: "I wish to confirm that my Government, the Thai Embassy and oureight Thai Consulates-General in China will whole heartedly support the preparations of the Games."

The ambassador said he has been following the news about the preparation of the 2010 Asian Games in Guangzhou. "The Guangdong province and Guangzhou city have been working very hard and effectively to ensure the success of the Games," he said.

The ambassador believes that Guangzhou will put on a good show: "We all know this will be another opportunity for China to show her competency in hosting an international event, bringing the whole of Asia to join in and celebrate the games together."

The Asian Games play a crucial role in promoting cooperation among Asian countries. "The Games will provide another great opportunity to bring Asian peoples together, this also definitely includes the peoples of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations. ASEAN and China have enjoyed a cordial friendship for a long time," the ambassador said.

"Our governments have good cooperation with each other, for example, ASEAN-China free trade area was formally started in January this year. The friendship between our peoples also grows fruitfully in every aspect, including sports cooperation," he added.

(Wang Danna)