On January 31, 2008, Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao sent a message of congratulations to Samak Sundaravej on his election as Thailand's prime minister.

In his message, Premier Wen, on behalf of the Chinese government and in his own name, extended sincere congratulations and best wishes to Samak Sundaravej on his election as Thai Prime Minister. "China and Thailand are good neighbors, good partners and good friends," Wen said. The all-around development of friendly cooperation between China and Thailand has not only brought substantial benefits to the two nations and peoples, but also contributed to the regional peace, stability and prosperity, he added. "I'm willing to work closely together with Your Excellency in maintaining and promoting the traditional friendship between China and Thailand, so as to push the two countries' strategic cooperation to a new high," said the Chinese premier.