Thai and other ASEAN diplomats based in China have visited Guangxi in southern China to examine artificial intelligence applications, Beibu Gulf Port and the Pinglu Canal, as China and Thailand seek deeper digital and industrial cooperation. The delegation included diplomats from Thailand, Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, Myanmar and the Philippines. The visit took place recently, Xinhua reported from Nanning on 28 July. Seksan Sarobol, Thailand's Consul-General in Nanning, joined the delegation at the China-ASEAN Artificial Intelligence Application Cooperation Centre, where he learned about Guangxi's approach to expanding AI use and supporting industrial cooperation. He was particularly impressed by AI-powered translation glasses that translated spoken Chinese into Thai and displayed the translation on the lenses in real time. AI applications for Thai industry The digital economy has become a new area of growth in China-Thailand and China-ASEAN cooperation in recent years. Both sides are looking to use AI to support the real economy, including agriculture, manufacturing and logistics. Guangxi is exploring an AI development model described as: research and development in Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou; integration in Guangxi; and application in ASEAN. The approach is intended to combine established technology with industrial demand across the region. Thailand, meanwhile, is promoting the transition and upgrading of traditional industries through digital technology to improve industrial competitiveness. AI can be used to monitor farm output, identify pests and crop diseases, and forecast yields, making agricultural production more precise. For foreign investors and business operators in Thailand, the development points to growing opportunities - and potentially greater pressure - for companies involved in farming technology, manufacturing systems, logistics and digital services. AI integrated with industrial internet systems and smart manufacturing can also help manufacturers improve production efficiency and strengthen coordination across supply and industrial chains. Canal due to open by September The diplomats also took an interest in smart operations at the Qinzhou Port area of Beibu Gulf Port and progress on the 134.2-kilometre Pinglu Canal. The canal is scheduled to open by September 2026 and is a key project under the New International Land-Sea Trade Corridor. Once completed and operational, it is expected to significantly reduce the time needed to move goods from inland western China to regional markets. It is also expected to promote China-ASEAN trade and strengthen Guangxi's role as an important connection to the Chinese market for Thailand. Industry figures believe China and Thailand have strongly complementary potential in AI: China has accumulated experience in technology research, development and industrial applications, while Thailand has substantial industrial demand and a geographical advantage for reaching ASEAN markets. Future cooperation could extend to smart agriculture, smart manufacturing, digital trade and smart tourism, according to the report. Picture courtesy of Thaitabloid Join the discussion? 30 July 2026
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