Chinese and Thai poets celebrate Mid-Autumn Festival in Bangkok

Liu reviewed the history of literary exchanges between the two countries, citing the circulation of Romance of the Three Kingdoms in Thailand and the Chinese translation of the Thai verse narrative Lilit Phra Lo. Such exchanges show how literary traditions can enrich contemporary writing, she said.
She added that there was considerable room to expand the translation of contemporary poetry in both directions. She encouraged young writers to draw on their own cultures while learning from one another, helping make literary exchanges broader and more substantial.

Zhang Huijun discussed how younger writers in both countries are sustaining and developing poetry. Young poets are increasingly turning from grand narratives to individual experience, expanding the possibilities of the form, she said. Cross-cultural perspectives and the ability of new media to reach audiences beyond established literary circles are creating further opportunities for dialogue.

Thai participants included Plai Na Songkhla, chair of Thailand's ASEAN Cultural Promotion Council; Pinit Nilrat, a former vice-president of the Writers' Association of Thailand; poets Chamaiporn Bangkhombang, Saksiri Misomsuep, Chiranan Pitpreecha and Chokchai Bundit; scholar Thanet Vespada; and Sunee Leelapornpinit of Dhurakij Pundit University. Literature enthusiasts also joined the discussions.

Chamaiporn said that although Chinese and Thai poetry use different languages and scripts, both express the poets' feelings and experience of life. The alternating bilingual readings had made a particular impression, demonstrating how poetry can connect people across cultural differences and bring the two traditions' shared human concerns to life.

Thanet noted the long history of translating and reading Chinese poetry in Thailand and said he hoped more Thai poetry would reach Chinese readers. The gathering provided a basis for closer cooperation, more translation in both directions and new opportunities for younger poets to meet, he said.

Saksiri drew on his own work in poetry and painting to discuss the connections between the two arts in Thailand. He saw a close affinity with the classical Chinese tradition in which poetry and painting complement each other and landscapes become a means of expressing emotion.

Chiranan read a poem about ties between China and Thailand. She said the Maritime Silk Road had helped shape the cultural connections linking the two countries.

Participants said the moon, a shared cultural image, carries emotions familiar to Chinese and Thai people. The Mid-Autumn readings highlighted their close bonds. Guests called for sustained cooperation through poetry translation, reciprocal visits by writers and joint publishing projects.

More than 40 Thai media outlets, including Banmuang, The Better and Bangkok Life News, covered the event. Interviewees highlighted the countries' historical and cultural ties, poetry's role in promoting mutual understanding, and hopes for more varied literary exchanges.

Held under the joint guidance of the Chinese embassy in Thailand and the International Department of the China Writers Association, the gathering was organized by the Chinese Literature Readers' Club in Thailand, the China Cultural Center in Bangkok, the Writers' Association of Thailand, China National Publications Import and Export (Group) Co Ltd, and the China International Culture Association.