Privy Council president Prem Tinsulanonda has been invited to visit China to mark the 40th anniversary of diplomatic ties between the two countries, permanent secretary for foreign affairs Sihasak Phuangketkeow said on Friday.
Mr Sihasak, who serves as acting foreign minister, said he was informed by the Chinese government about the invitation, which he claimed reflected the close and long-standing relationship between the countries.
He said both sides would work on the details and schedule of the visit under a joint committee which would be set up to arrange the trip, as well as other joint activities which would be held to mark the anniversary.
"One of the events to mark our relations is to have another exchange of high-level visits, including a royal visit. At the initial stage, Privy Council president Prem has been invited to visit China," Mr Sihasak said.
Thailand and China established official diplomatic relations on July 1, 1975.
Gen Prem, during his time as prime minster from 1980-88, helped foster bilateral ties with China. Several Chinese leaders who have visited Thailand since then have also taken time to meet Gen Prem.
The president of the Thai-Chinese Cultural and Relationship Council, Pinit Charusombat, expressed his support for the invitation, saying Gen Prem's trip would help to promote Thai-Chinese relations.
"Gen Prem is one of our former prime ministers who built close ties with China since the late prime minister, MR Kukrit Pramoj, officially opened the diplomatic doors with China," Mr Pinit said.
Mr Sihasak was speaking on Friday as he led a Thai delegation to attend the Second China-Thailand Strategic Dialogue, aimed at tightening bilateral relations, particularly in terms of trade and regional cooperation.
The Chinese delegation was led by Deputy Foreign Minister Liu Zhenmin, who expressed understanding about Thai political developments and supported the junta's reform efforts.
Mr Liu told a press conference after the meeting that China wanted to see stability, harmony and security in Thailand, particularly since China is Thailand's largest trade partner. Thailand is China's third-largest trade partner.
He said internal problems should be resolved in order that Thailand can return to democracy, adding that security and stability here directly affect Asean and the greater Asian region.
The Chinese minister also said his country had focused on reforms that led to rapid development over the past 30 years, and hoped that the reforms in China could act as a role model for other developing countries in the region including Thailand.
Mr Sihasak, meanwhile, expressed appreciation for the positive stance taken by the Chinese government, saying it helped consolidate long-term ties.
Beside bilateral ties, China also praised Thailand in its role as coordinator in Asean-China relations, where some progress has been made including the launch of high-level consultations for a maritime code of conduct, aimed at easing tensions in the South China Sea.
Thailand has served as the country coordinator of Asean-China relations since July 2012, a role that expires this year.
According to Mr Sihasak, China also asked Thailand and Asean to pursue the "seven-pronged proposal" which was raised by Chinese Prime Minister Li Keqiang during the 16th China-Asean leaders meeting in Brunei last year.
Mr Sihasak also met briefly with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and other high-ranking officials to discuss bilateral issues involving trade, investment, culture and politics.
As the host of 26th Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation meeting, the Chinese government also invited Thai leaders to the summit in Beijing in November, Mr Sihasak said.
When asked about relations with Western countries which have come under strain since the May 22 coup, the acting foreign minister replied that Thailand had not expressed any negative reaction to the stance of the West, but insisted that the country needs to move on.
"International relations have never stopped but we have to seek the chance to expand cooperation," Mr Sihasak said.
"Thailand is ready to work with any country that wants to cooperate, but a true friend is a friend in tough times."