Ayutthaya Marathon 2025 provides big boost for people-to-people exchanges

People-to-people ex-changes between China and Thailand have been enhanced through sports and cultural events as the two nations mark the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties this year.

During the Ayutthaya Marathon 2025 last weekend, more than 3,500 participants from China, Myanmar, Singapore, the United States, and elsewhere took part in the challenge and appreciated the picturesque structures in Ayutthaya, which was founded in 1350 as the second capital of the Siamese kingdom.

Jointly organized by China Daily and the RVi Group, in partnership with the Ayutthaya government, the Ayutthaya Tourist Business Association, and the Ayutthaya Running Club, the event showcased the cultural richness and global significance of the UNESCO World Heritage Site while promoting sports tourism.

This year’s race featured four categories — a full marathon, a 21.1-kilometer half-marathon, a 10-kilometer challenge, and a 5-kilometer fun run — taking participants past Ayutthaya’s most iconic landmarks, including Wat Phra Si Sanphet, Wat Mahathat, Wat Ratchaburana, and Wihan Phra Mongkhon Bophit. The start and finish lines were set at the Old Ayutthaya Provincial Hall.

In his opening speech, Chuanin Wongsatitjirakan, governor of Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Province, expressed his pleasure and honor in joining the opening of the marathon, which reflects strong confidence in the province’s capacity to host major activities.

“This year’s participation of runners worldwide reinforces Ayutthaya’s prominence as a historic city and a UNESCO World Heritage Site,” he said. “We expect the marathon to boost tourism, stimulate the local economy and benefit communities.”

This year’s marathon carries the theme “Celebrating Thailand-China Friendship Through Sports and Culture”, reflecting the enduring partnership between the two countries and the importance of cultural collaboration in strengthening people-to-people ties.

Zhou Li, deputy editor-in-chief of China Daily, said the media shoulders the responsibility of conserving cultural heritage sites and sustaining the vitality of global treasures by expanding cooperation and integrating the development of culture and tourism.

“The essence of state-to-state relations lies in the affinity between their peoples. On the occasion of the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Thailand, we hope the event can bring peoples of both nations even closer at a new historical starting line, embarking on a new journey hand in hand,” he said.

Apart from offering a route steeped in history and cultural significance, the event covered a range of activities celebrating Thai-Chinese friendship, including a tourism campaign organized by China’s Yunnan province promoting a lifestyle that blends tourism, culture, and local life.

“I’m very excited to take part in this sports event — the first time for me to take part in a marathon,” said Eaindray Phuu, 15, a student from Myanmar who ran the 5 km fun run with her classmates.

She said that about 200 students from her school in Mandalay attended the event to embrace a healthy lifestyle and explore Ayutthaya’s historical sites.

“It’s so impressive to run through the historical sites before daybreak — a very unique experience. I think running is a healthy lifestyle welcomed by many people,” she said.

Noting the event’s mascots, an elephant and a giant panda, she expressed a strong willingness to visit China.

“My great-grandparents came from China, but I haven’t yet visited the country. I’ve seen photos of some historical sites in Beijing, and I do hope to visit and see Tian’anmen Square in the near future,” she said.

The tourism campaign launched by the Yunnan Provincial Department of Culture and Tourism following the running event was aiming to attract international visitors and promote a lifestyle integrated with tourism, culture, and local life.

The campaign highlighted the great diversity of Yunnan’s culture and landscapes, particularly the snow mountains in the province, which has elevated its reputation as China’s preferred tourism playground in recent years.

With the slogan “So close, yet so stunning — come to Yunnan for snow-capped wonders”, the tourism campaign attracted numerous Thais and foreign travelers to the province’s stunning scenery and its rich tapestry of ethnic cultures.

Known as the “kingdom of plants and animals” and the “world’s garden”, Yunnan has taken advantage of its enviable reputation for cultural tourism to draw both domestic and international travelers.

In recent years, the province has prioritized upgrades of its tourism products and service models. The tourism slogan “Yunnan: a many-splendored life” has sparked online discussions.

Last year, Yunnan’s tourism revenue reached a record 1.14 trillion yuan ($158.7 billion) with more than 6 million inbound tourists, according to the provincial department of culture and tourism.

With a Thai passport and registration ticket for the Ayutthaya Marathon 2025, tourists can get coupons for traveling to four snow mountains in Yunnan, namely Meili Snow Mountain, Jiaozi Snow Mountain, Shika Snow Mountain, and Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. The coupons can be used from Dec 1 to June 30 next year.

“I’ve heard about Yunnan from my friends who had been there before. The magnificent natural scenery and cultural diversity attract me a lot. It is a surprise to know that Yunnan has so many snow mountains. I’d love to travel there and explore more,” said local Thai resident Dolhatai Dechakaisaya.

Dolhatai, 57, started running about four years ago and had participated in a full marathon five times before. She said running makes her healthier, both physically and mentally. The sport also helped her to make many new friends who share the same passion for running.

Apart from the tourism campaign, Yunnan Provincial Department of Culture and Tourism also organized a culture promotion activity in Siam Singapore International School in Bangkok, aiming to introduce Yunnan’s intangible cultural heritage.

On Nov 24, students were engaged in learning Chinese calligraphy as well as the traditional Naxi ancient music — known as Baisha xiyue (Baisha fine music), which can be derived from the 14th century Taoist and Confucian ceremonial music. Known for its antique instruments and old melodies, the music is recognized as a National Intangible Cultural Heritage.

“The music is more than a musical tradition, it is a cultural archive that preserves the collective memory of the Naxi people. With its fusion of Mongolian, Han, and Naxi elements, it is a symbol of cross-culture fusion and represents centuries of intercultural exchange along the Silk Road,” said He Linyi, inheritor of the art.

He said music, as a language without boundaries, can bring people from China and Thailand even closer. “I hope the live performance can attract the younger generation overseas to visit Yunnan and other Chinese cities for further exploration themselves,” he added.

Contact the writers at yangwanli@chinadaily.com.cn