Dimoo toy released to mark Sino-Thai relations

The limited-edition Dimoo toy, which will be promoted as a "Special Friend of Thailand-China Golden Jubilee", was released on Thursday in Bangkok to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Sino-Thai diplomatic relations this year.

Under the cooperation between the Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Chinese company Pop Mart, the special limited edition image designed by young Chinese artist Ayan Deng ingeniously integrates the cultural essences of both nations.

Thailand has one of its symbolic wild animals — the elephant. "We transformed the cloud baby on Dimoo's head into a symbol of good fortune, together with a little elephant embroidered on its traditional Thai dress," said Deng.

Meanwhile, she explained that the lotus-shaped flame that Dimoo leans against is particularly eye-catching. "The fiery petals not only represent wisdom and light in Chinese culture but also symbolize the passionate friendship between China and Thailand," she added.

At the news conference held for the release of the special edition Dimoo, Pensom Lertsithichai, deputy director-general of the Department of East Asian Affairs under the Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said the collaboration with Pop Mart added vitality to the celebration of Thailand-China Golden Jubilee.

"The people from the two countries share brotherly ties and such a long friendship between them is mutually beneficial, as it was established based on mutual respect. Such close relations between China and Thailand will lay a solid foundation for deeper cooperation in the future," she said.

Chen Xiaoyun, vice-president of Pop Mart international group, said that Dimoo World aims to foster the concept of helping each other for joint development. "And the Dimoo special edition is a fine mixture of Thai culture and Chinese art, which reflects the deep-rooted connection between the two nations," she said.

Chen said this creative design not only showcases the profound cultural heritage of both countries but also expresses in an artistic way the special bond of blood ties and mutual understanding between China and Thailand, becoming a unique cultural symbol to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries.

Chang Yumeng, counsellor for Cultural Affairs at the Chinese embassy in Thailand, said the young generation plays an important role in boosting the two countries' friendship. "The toy, which is now very popular among young people, will bring us even closer and serve as a bridge for deepening the mutual understanding," she said.

yangwanli@chinadaily.com.cn