On 22 May 2013, H.E. Mr. Phongthep Thepkanjana, Deputy Prime Minister of Thailand led a delegation to visit the ASEAN-China Centre. Secretary-General Ma Mingqiang elaborated on the ACC's efforts to promote ASEAN-China and Thailand-China cooperation in trade, investment and culture, such as hosting Thai Night, receiving young Thai officials to visit China and recommending Joe Louis, the traditional Thai Puppet Troupe's performance to BTV Global Gala. Secretary-General Ma also reported further on the ACC's working plan, including setting up of an ASEAN Language & Culture Centre, holding a Chinese painting exhibition in Thailand and leading a group of CCTV crew to shoot tourism documentary in Thailand.
Deputy Prime Minister Phongthep commended the ACC's on its achievements despite its recent establishment as an inter-governmental organization. Thailand and China have been enjoying friendship for many generations. Especially nowadays, China ranks the first inbound tourist destination for Thailand and the undertakings of connectivity will facilitate further accelerateion of the two-way trade and investment between ASEAN and China and beyond. The Thai Government pledges continued support and assistance to the future activities of the ACC.
After the meeting, Deputy Prime Minister Phongthep received a joint interview by a group of journalists from Xinhua News Agency, China News Agency, China Radio International, People.com and China Youth Daily.