The program of designing and building the pavilion by the Beijing municipal government, started in 2005 when China and Thailand celebrated the 30th anniversary of the establishment of Sino-Thai diplomatic relationship, and completed in early 2008, the year that marks the 15th year since Beijing and Bangkok became Friendship Cities.
Bangkok Governor Apirak Kosayodhin said when presiding over the opening ceremony, "The elegant style of the Sino-Thai Friendship Pavilion reflects the classical elements in China's historical and cultural heritage. It is another symbolic building to represent the centuries-old Sino-Thai friendship and the diplomatic relationship between the two countries since 1975."
Lu Hao, deputy mayor of Beijing, who headed an official delegation to present the pavilion as a gift from the Beijing municipal government to Bangkok, praised the friendly and fruitful cooperation and exchange between the two cities in 15 years. The marble pavilion has carried the good wishes of peoples in the two cities, or two countries for a ever-lasting and deeper friendship, he said.
(Xinhua News Agency February 25, 2008)
