On June 30, 2008, Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao held talks with Thai Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej at the Great Hall of the People. Both sides agreed to push bilateral friendly cooperative relations for greater development.

Wen said since the establishment of diplomatic ties 33 years ago, China and Thailand had always trusted and supported each other and maintained close coordination, thus safeguarding their common interests and promoting regional peace and development. The profound sympathy and assistance offered by the Thai royal family, government and people to the Chinese people after the May 12 earthquake indicated the friendship between the two nations, Wen said. China was ready to work with Thailand to carry forward China-Thailand traditional friendship, share development opportunities and jointly deal with challenges for the benefit of both peoples, Wen said. Samak said he was delighted to visit China on the occasion of the 33rd anniversary of diplomatic ties. The two nations had witnessed smooth cooperation in the past 33 years. He expressed satisfaction with the bilateral ties, saying that Thailand believes the Chinese government and people will surely win the fight against the quake disaster and rebuild their homeland. Samak also wished the Beijing Olympic Games a complete success.

Wen hoped that the two sides will earnestly advance friendly exchanges and pragmatic cooperation in all areas based on the joint action plan on China-Thailand strategic cooperation. He hoped the two nations would keep the momentum of high-level visits to cement and expand mutual political trust. He urged both sides to enhance cooperation in economy and trade, discuss the signing of an agreement on expanding and deepening bilateral economic and trade cooperation and encourage two-way investment, especially cooperation in the field of infrastructure construction. Both sides should also expand cooperation on culture, education, health, agriculture and defense, and promote exchanges in youth and technical training. Wen also hoped China and Thailand would work together to push forward the China-ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) strategic partnership and safeguard the smooth and stable development of East Asia cooperation.

Samak fully agreed with Wen's proposal, saying that Thailand would work with China to increase cooperation in the areas of economy, trade, education, agriculture, tourism, infrastructure construction, water resources application and defense, enhance personnel exchanges at all levels and push forward bilateral strategic cooperation. He said Thailand would keep close contact with China to contribute to the development of the China-ASEAN strategic partnership and East Asia cooperation.

Prior to the talks, Wen held a welcoming ceremony for Samak's visit to China. Vice Chairman Yang Bangjie of the Central Committee of China Zhi Gong Party, Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi, Minister of Commerce Chen Deming, Minister of the General Administration of Quality Supervision Li Changjiang and Chinese Ambassador to Thailand Zhang Jiuhuan attended the welcoming ceremony.