Thailand held a local style banquet late Saturday to welcome the third Sino-Thai Culture and Tourism Friendship Caravan that just arrived in Thailand.

The caravan began its journey in Ordos, north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region on August 22, passed through various cities in China and Laos, and arrived at Chiang Khong district in Chiang Rai province last Friday.

"Though it is my second time to join the China-Thailand cultural caravan, I am very happy that we made it after a 19-day journey," said Ke Yasha, leader of the Chinese participants of the caravan, adding that he is looking forward to the journey beyond in Thailand.

The caravan is going to visit provinces in northern and northeastern Thailand.

A closing ceremony of the trip is set on September 29 in Bangkok, as some 40 people from both China and Thailand will finish the whole trip.

Chen Jiang, cultural counselor of the Chinese Embassy in Thailand, said the caravan will help people from both China and Thailand understand each other better as well as promote tourism in both countries.

Source : XINHUA