New chapter in Vietnam -Thailand relations

Responding to media questions regarding the visit, Member of the Party Central Committee, Permanent Deputy Secretary of the Party Committee of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and Deputy Foreign Minister Nguyen Manh Cuong said this is the first visit by a Thai King to Vietnam since the two countries established diplomatic relations in 1976, taking place precisely on the 50th anniversary of diplomatic ties (1976-2026) and in the context of the bilateral relationship being upgraded to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in May 2025.

According to the Deputy FM, the convergence of these three milestones imbues the event with historical significance, opening a new chapter for bilateral relations.

Thailand is currently Vietnam's largest trading partner within ASEAN, with two-way trade reaching US$22.1 billion in 2025, and ranks among the top ten foreign investors in Vietnam with total registered capital exceeding US$15 billion. In 2025, over 1.1 million citizen visits were exchanged between the two countries, alongside more than 100,000 Vietnamese people living, studying, and working in Thailand, creating a durable bridge between the two nations.

The visit also demonstrates the special importance attached by the Thai Royal Family, State, and people to Vietnam, bearing profound significance for people-to-people exchanges and bonds, as the Thai Royal Family has implemented practical projects contributing to education and community development in Vietnam.

Assessing the prominent highlights of the visit, Deputy FM Nguyen Manh Cuong stated that the Thai King and Queen held talks with General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam and President To Lam; and met with Prime Minister Le Minh Hung and National Assembly Chairman Tran Thanh Man.

Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul joined the delegation and accompanied the King and Queen on the visit. Within 2026 alone, the two countries have exchanged high-level visits in both directions, following the visit to Thailand by Party General Secretary and State President To Lam and his spouse in May 2026.  

High-level contacts at the highest level, together with the Thai Prime Minister accompanying the King, demonstrate the high regard both sides hold for each other. Additionally, the cultural, religious, and people-to-people exchange aspects drew notable attention as the King and Queen visited Quan Su Pagoda and the Thai Language and Culture Center at Hanoi University, reflecting how high-level political trust and close sentiment between the two peoples converged during a single visit.

Regarding tasks to be carried out following the visit, Deputy Minister Nguyen Manh Cuong emphasized that the key priority is to translate shared perceptions, trust, and positive sentiments into concrete cooperation programs and projects that citizens of both countries can experience. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs will coordinate closely with ministries, sectors, localities, and relevant Thai agencies to implement this work.

On the economic front, both sides will focus on bringing bilateral trade turnover to the target of US$25 billion soon in a more balanced direction, while effectively implementing the "Three Connections" initiative: connecting supply chains; connecting economic sectors, localities, and businesses; and connecting the green and sustainable growth strategies of the two countries.

In culture, education, tourism, and people-to-people exchanges, both sides will expand the teaching of Vietnamese and Thai, increase the frequency of direct flights, and promote the value of community assets such as the Vietnam Town in Udon Thani province and President Ho Chi Minh relic sites in Thailand.

Within ASEAN and Mekong sub-regional mechanisms, both nations will continue to coordinate closely. The Deputy FM expressed confidence that this visit, together with the 50-year foundation of diplomatic relations, will propel Vietnam-Thailand relations into a broader and deeper new phase, fulfilling the shared aspirations of the two peoples and contributing to regional peace and cooperation.

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Top leader To Lam hosts state banquet for King and Queen of Thailand

VOV.VN - General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee and President To Lam and his spouse hosted a grand state banquet in Hanoi on the evening of September 15 for King Maha Vajiralongkorn Phra Vajiraklaochaoyuhua and the Queen of Thailand, alongside the high-ranking Thai Royal delegation on a state visit to Vietnam from September 14 to 16.