On 29 October 2025, Professor Dou Xiankang, President of the National Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC), met with a delegation led by Prof. Vissanu Meeyoo, Vice President of the Thailand Science Research and Innovation (TSRI) in Beijing. The two parties signed the Memorandum of Understanding on Scientific and Technological Cooperation between the National Natural Science Foundation of China and Thailand Science Research and Innovation, adding a new highlight of scientific collaboration to China-Thailand relations as the two countries celebrate the 50^th anniversary of diplomatic ties.

President Dou Xiankang extended a warm welcome to Vice President Meeyoo and his delegation for their second visit to attend the signing ceremony. He noted that the year 2025 marks the 50^th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Thailand and the long friendship between both sides has laid a solid foundation for cooperation across various fields. With the rapid development of China's science and technology in recent years, NSFC remained committed to supporting basic and applied basic research and continued to increase its funding. He emphasized that NSFC attaches great importance to scientific research cooperation with Thailand and acknowledges Thailand's efforts in increasing investment in research and deepening scientific and technological development. President Dou expressed his expectation that, building on the high mutual trust and complementary strengths of both nations, the scientific collaboration will become a new area of growth in China-Thailand relations, contributing wisdom and strength to regional and global sustainable development.

Vice President Meeyoo conveyed TSRI President Sompong Klaynongsruang’s sincere regrets for not being able to attend the meeting as planned due to unexpected work obligations. He expressed his gratitude to the NSFC for the hospitality and provided a comprehensive overview of the restructured Thailand research and innovation system,  the national SRI strategy, TSRI's organizational structure and core functions, international cooperation network, and 15 key flagship programs with their notable achievements. He stated that the signing of this MoU represents a significant milestone in the history of scientific research cooperation between the two organizations. He expressed hope to cooperate with the NSFC in areas of mutual interest through academic exchanges, joint research, and other collaborative activities, working together to provide innovative knowledge-based solutions to address global challenges such as climate change and public health.

During the meeting, Dr. Fan Yingjie, Director General of the NSFC Bureau of International Cooperation, presented an overview of the NSFC, introduced its funding systems, recent achievements in international cooperation, and the Sustainable Development International Cooperation Program. Both sides had in-depth discussions and reached consensus on topics including deepening scientific research cooperation, promoting talent exchange and training, and jointly addressing global challenges.

The meeting and signing ceremony were also attended by Ms. Pasupha Chinvarasopak, Minister-Counsellor for Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation of the Royal Thai Embassy in Beijing, representatives from the TSRI Foreign Relations and Investment Development Division, and staff from the NSFC Bureau of International Cooperation.