"China Guangxi TV Showcase Week" launched on Thai state TV

BANGKOK, May 8 (Xinhua) -- Thailand's state TV channel -- the National Broadcasting Services of Thailand (NBT television) on Thursday launched the "China Guangxi TV Showcase Week" -- a series of feature TV programs introducing to Thais various aspects of Guangxi, a region in southern China boasting a unique and rich ethnic culture and broad economic exchange with Thailand and other ASEAN members.

The seven-day showcase fron May 8 to 14 will present Thai viewers altogether seven 25-minute feature programs to be aired on NBT every afternoon starting 5:30 p.m., which respectively focus on Guangxi's scenery, culture and economic relations with ASEAN.

Thai Prime Minister's Office Minister Jakrapob Penkair presidedat Thursday's launching ceremony and, along with other representatives from both sides, pressed the symbolic launching button.

Ma Biao, Chairman of the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region who led a 90-strong delegation from Guangxi to visit Thailand May 7-10,said he believed the Showcase, the first in Thailand, would deepen the understanding between peoples in Guangxi and Thailand and serve future bilateral cooperation and exchange.

Guangxi, a mountainous region located in the southern frontier of China bordering Vietnam and with a population of about 50 million, has concentrated over 90 percent of Zhuang ethnic people in China -- at over 14 million. There also live other minority ethnic groups like Dong, Miao, Yao, Hui, Yi, Shui and Gin, as wellas the majority nationality of Han.

Acting Director of NBT, Suriyong Hunthasaan noted that historical records and studies have shown that the Zhuang is closely related to the majority Thai ethnic group in Thailand in culture and language.

He said Thais are already familiar with Guangxi's famous tourist attractions and ports. The region has also become a gateway in southern China towards Thailand and other ASEAN countries. He believed the programs will broaden Thais' horizon about Guangxi and China.