China expressed on Friday congratulations to Anutin Charnvirakul on his election as Thai prime minister, saying it stands ready to work with Thailand to strengthen strategic communication and deepen practical cooperation.

The remarks were made in an online statement issued by the Foreign Ministry.

China and Thailand are close friends and neighbors, and the two countries, like one family, are as close as ever, the statement quoted a ministry spokesperson as saying.

This year marks the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries.

Beijing is willing to work with Bangkok to carry forward the traditional friendship, achieve greater progress in the building of the China-Thailand community with a shared future, and contribute to peace, stability, development and prosperity in the region, according to the statement.

On Friday, Anutin, leader of the Bhumjaithai party, was elected as Thailand's 32nd prime minister.