Dhaka, Nov. 15 -- Chinese President Xi Jinping promised closer ties with Thailand on Friday during talks with the first reigning Thai monarch to visit the country since diplomatic ties were established 50 years ago.

King Maha Vajiralongkorn, who has rarely made overseas state visits since he ascended the throne nine years ago, is in Beijing with his wife Queen Suthida for his first official visit to China.Describing the two countries as like "family", Xi told the royals China would "strengthen strategic alignment" with the Southeast Asian country, according to state broadcaster CCTV.

He said cooperation would be expanded on a China-Thailand railway link as well as in emerging fields like AI, aerospace and the digital economy.

"King Vaj...