Culturally connected to China

Asean youth leader buoyed by burgeoning Sino-Thai ties

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Richard Liu, a 19-year-old law student at Chulalongkorn University’s international programme, says that aside from his homeland, China, there is no place he cherishes more than Thailand.

Having proudly adopted Bangkok as his second home following his expat father’s posting here, Mr Liu speaks passionately about his life in the kingdom, praising the country’s international atmosphere and cultural richness.

“I told my friends in China that if they want to understand Thailand truly, they must come and experience it for themselves,” said Mr Liu, who also serves as director of the China Chapter of the Asean Youth Organisation.

“Thailand is not just about beaches, temples, Thai massage, tom yum goong, or mango sticky rice— it’s a deeply cultural destination, rich in history and tradition.”

In a recent conversation with the Bangkok Post, Mr Liu, who was born and raised in Hong Kong, repeatedly mentioned the Thai phrase “Chin-Thai phi nong kan”, which means “Chinese and Thai people are family”.

“We share so much history,” he added.

Language, Mr Liu admits, was one of the initial challenges when he moved to Thailand, particularly given his keen interest in understanding local ways of life.