In his address at a discussion on the 50 anniversary of Vietnam-Thailand diplomatic relations, organised by C asean Vietnam on April 10, former Deputy Foreign Minister Pham Quang Vinh said the relationship between the two countries is built on a unique foundation of geographical and cultural convergence. From the shared Mekong sub-region to a long-standing wet rice civilisation, the two nations share many values that create a strong bond.

He said that despite periods of historical complexity and geopolitical changes, the two countries have continued to strengthen and expand cooperation through multiple channels, from official diplomacy to people-to-people exchanges within ASEAN frameworks.

He highlighted the upgrade of bilateral ties to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership as a step that will shape the future.

This move elevates political relations and shows growing trust and deeper ties, with a focus on long-term goals such as sustainable development, innovation and a stronger role in the regional architecture.

From Thailand’s side, Ambassador Urawadee Sriphiromya said the past 50 years have seen significant development in bilateral relations. She noted that the two countries are entering a new period of cooperation with wide-ranging opportunities, particularly in the economic sphere. Thailand is currently one of the largest investors in Vietnam, with activities spanning industry, retail, energy and services.

The relationship between the peoples of the two countries is warm and sincere, shown in a steady increase in tourist numbers, student exchanges and cultural exchange programmes. In the coming period, the two sides are poised to to raise bilateral trade to US$25 billion through the ‘Three Connects’ strategy, focusing on infrastructure connectivity, supply chain connectivity and, in particular, people-to-people connectivity, she said.

In the field of culture and creative industries, Tran Hai Van, Deputy Director General of the Department of International Cooperation under the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, said Vietnam-Thailand cooperation should move beyond traditional exchanges towards co-creation. She pointed to areas such as film, performing arts, music and digital content as opening new opportunities for joint products that carry a shared regional identity.

She also underlined huge potential for cross-border tourism products based on shared cultural heritage, cuisine and festivals. Such initiatives not only support tourism development but also help position ASEAN as a unified and attractive destination on the global map. She added that empowering younger generations through training programmes, exchanges and creative networks will be key to sustaining and developing bilateral ties in the future.

From a business perspective, Phayom Visouveth, Vice President of the Thai Business Association in Vietnam, said Thai enterprises are playing an increasingly important role in Vietnam’s economy. Major groups such as Central Retail, CP Group and SCG are expanding operations while building integrated ecosystems from production to distribution.

She said these companies are placing greater emphasis on sustainability, technological innovation and product quality. These efforts create jobs and added value for Vietnam’s economy, while strengthening the country’s position as a key manufacturing and export hub in the region.

In the coming period, sectors such as renewable energy, the digital economy and modern retail are expected to become new areas of cooperation between the two countries.

Former Vietnamese Ambassador to Thailand Phan Chi Thanh also agreed, saying he witnessed many important milestones in bilateral ties during his tenure, including the upgrade to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. However, he said what he values most is not agreements or documents, but the everyday connections between people of the two countries.

“Places such as Vietnam Town, the Ho Chi Minh memorial site and the clock tower in Nakhon Phanom are symbolic structures and living memories of Vietnam–Thailand friendship. They show a relationship nurtured by policy as well as by sharing, understanding and bonds in daily life,” he said.

The past 50 years have been a journey and open a new chapter, with the past serving as a springboard for common aspirations ahead.

Vietnam, Thailand lay stress on importance of peace, stability and regional security

VOV.VN - Thailand is one of Vietnam’s leading partners in ASEAN, with growing economic, tourism, and diplomatic cooperation, sharing many common viewpoints and maintaining positive bilateral ties.