Thailand is a Buddhist country, with a population of over 60 million, and 95% of the people practice Buddhism. The Chinese make up 12% of the national population, and in Bangkok, 40% of the residents are Chinese.
To promote cultural exchange and friendly cooperation between Thailand and China, and to disseminate traditional Chinese knowledge of geomancy, Mr. Li Dingxin, at the age of eighty, was invited by leaders of the Thai Chinese Chamber of Commerce Chairman Zheng Mingru, President of the Thai Sino-Artists Association Cai Yipi, Honorary President of the Thai Sino-Economic and Trade Exchange Center Li Gui Xiong, Chairman of the Thai Chinese General Chamber of Commerce Zheng Jilie, and Chairman of the Thai Businessmen Association Wu Cheng, among others. Mr. Li visited Thailand three times: from March 23 to May 7, 2000; from July 10 to September 5, 2000; and from March to May 2001. He was warmly welcomed and received with great hospitality each time.
During his stay in Thailand, as the chief scholar of the Yang Yi (Yang Jiupin) Feng Shui School, Mr. Li participated in academic activities such as the "Thai Southern Jiangxi Yang Yi (Yang Jiupin) Cultural Research Society" and the "Sino-Thai Geomancy Academic Exchange Meeting." At these events, he delivered insightful and engaging academic reports. He personally participated in and guided the selection, investigation, and layout of some Yang-Yin residences for the Chinese community in Thailand. Additionally, he was invited to inspect, design, and guide the new layout of the Thai Royal Palace, even personally adjusting the royal throne. Recently, the Thai Chinese community donated a Guanyin Buddha statue, carved from a single piece of sandalwood, standing 2.8 meters tall, to the Thai royal family. To house this Guanyin statue, a temple needed to be built. Mr. Li was invited to investigate and compare two potential sites for the new temple, offering highly regarded suggestions that impressed members of the Thai royal family and the overseas Chinese leaders. These activities earned widespread praise from members of the royal family, important figures in Thai politics, leaders of the overseas Chinese community, and social elites. They also played an excellent role in enhancing Sino-Thai friendship, strengthening the familial ties between the overseas Chinese in Bangkok and the Hakka people of southern Jiangxi, and helping Thais understand China and the birthplace of Feng Shui - Ganzhou, China.
Below is a compilation of some of the relevant reports from newspapers published in Bangkok during Mr. Li Dingxin's visit, along with some news photographs, for the enjoyment of netizens.