Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra said Thursday that she is ready to work with the Chinese side to open a new chapter of closer Thailand-China relations.

Thai and Chinese people are like a family, with close interactions, smooth communication, similar cultures and mutual support, Paetongtarn told Xinhua in an interview during her ongoing official visit to China, adding that the two sides have no ideological barriers and can always understand and trust each other.

"Although I don't speak Chinese, I have Chinese blood in me," Paetongtarn said.

"I really hope to take my family to Beijing again when I am on vacation," she added.

During her visit, Paetongtarn also attended the opening ceremony of the 9th Asian Winter Games on Friday in Harbin, northeast China's Heilongjiang Province.

While Thailand does not have a winter sports tradition, Paetongtarn noted that many Thai people aspire to experience ice and snow sports. She also expressed her enthusiasm for cheering on not only Thai athletes but all participants.

"Sports are an essential part of culture, a key element of a nation's soft power, and a bridge that strengthens the friendship between Thailand and China," she said. "Of course, I also want to take the opportunity of my trip to Harbin to recommend traditional Thai sports such as Muay Thai."