Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra’s official visit to Vietnam on May 15–16 marks her first to the country and indicates the growing strength of the Vietnam–Thailand Strategic Partnership.

According to Thai Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Nikorndej Balankura, the symbolic and significant coincides with the resumption of the Joint Cabinet Meeting (JCM), a mechanism Thailand maintains exclusively with Vietnam.

Nikorndej emphasized that the visit reaffirms the close and friendly bilateral relationship, with both countries playing key roles in the Mekong sub-region and ASEAN. High-level meetings and exchanges between key ministries during this visit are expected to further deepen bilateral cooperation.

Drawing on his experience as former Thai Ambassador to Vietnam, Nikorndej noted the notable progress in ties over the years. Thailand has risen from Vietnam’s 11th-largest to 9th-largest investor, with total investment approaching US$15 billion. The upcoming JCM, which also marks the 20th anniversary of the mechanism, is set to boost cooperation in politics, trade, investment, people-to-people ties, and culture.

Looking ahead to the 50th anniversary of diplomatic ties in 2026, the two countries plan to sign several agreements during this visit. Nikorndej said both sides will set ambitious goals, review progress in key sectors, and expand cooperation.

Priorities include intensifying bilateral trade and investment, enhancing market access, particularly for agricultural products, and attracting outside investment through the “Three Connections” Strategy,” which focuses on supply chains, local economies, and sustainability.

Human resource development will also be prioritized, particularly in new industries such as semiconductors and artificial intelligence (AI).

Multi-modal transportation connectivity, via air, land, sea, and people-to-people exchanges, will also be enhanced to facilitate trade, tourism, and investment.

On economic cooperation, Nikorndej accentuated the need for joint government and private-sector efforts to ease trade and investment. A Vietnam–Thailand Business Forum during the visit will offer a platform to explore new opportunities. With two-way trade surpassing US$21 billion last year, the US$25 billion target by 2025 remains within reach despite global uncertainties.

He highlighted that over half of Thailand’s exports to Vietnam are intermediate goods that support Vietnam’s export-oriented production. Thailand currently holds the largest outbound investment portfolio in Vietnam and is looking to expand in energy, transport, and fintech. Both sides are also working to speed up the rollout of digital payment solutions, such as QR code payments.

In the regional context, Nikorndej noted both countries’ roles as major ASEAN economies committed to open trade and resilient supply chains.

Major initiatives include road connectivity through the R9 (Savannakhet–Mukdahan) and R12 (Nakhon Phanom–Ha Tinh) routes, as well as plans for coastal shipping linking Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam. A regional cruise tourism initiative connecting Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam is also under discussion during the visit

He concluded by emphasizing the importance of open dialogue and joint efforts in dealing with geopolitical and economic challenges, while hoping that the visit will deliver specific and substantive outcomes.

Vietnam, Thailand to elevate ties with focus on substantive results

VOV.VN - Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra’s forthcoming official visit to Vietnam will mark a key milestone, helping further boost bilateral ties and reinforce political trust and mutual understanding between the two countries’ top leaders.