Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra will lead a high-level delegation of the Royal Thai Government on an official visit to Vietnam and co-chair the 4th Vietnam–Thailand Joint Cabinet Meeting from May 15 to 16 at the invitation of Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh.

In a recent media interview, Vietnamese Ambassador to Thailand Pham Viet Hung underlined the significance of the visit, the strengths of bilateral relations, and ways to further enhance cooperation between the two countries.

According to Ambassador Hung, this is the first official visit to Vietnam by a Thai Prime Minister in 11 years, since Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha’s trip in 2014. The visit takes place as the two countries move toward the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations (1976–2026), a key milestone in the history of bilateral ties.

As the strengthened strategic partnership between Vietnam and Thailand continues to thrive in a comprehensive and in-depth manner across a variety of fields, this visit is expected to be an important opportunity for both sides to advance their relationship to a new level that is more practical and effective.

Regarding the major focus of the visit, the Vietnamese diplomat said the two sides will hold the 4th Joint Cabinet Meeting, a mechanism with a uniquely meaningful name that shows both sides’ strong interest and shared determination to step up bilateral cooperation.

Under the direct leadership and co-chairmanship of the two Prime Ministers, the meeting will review existing issues and chart future directions for cooperation in all areas. In terms of political and diplomatic ties, the two sides will discuss measures to further strengthen political trust, intensify exchanges and cooperation between the Parties, Governments, legislative bodies, and localities, and bolster coordination at regional and international forums, particularly within ASEAN and Mekong sub-regional mechanisms.

On economic, trade and investment cooperation, both sides will review the progress of joint plans and initiatives, including the “Three Connections” initiative, while exploring new measures to expand co-operation, with the goal of raising bilateral trade to US$25 billion in a balanced and sustainable manner. Vietnam will also seek to attract more Thai investment in its priority areas.

On cultural, educational and people-to-people exchange, both countries will discuss ways to strengthen local-level linkages and expand cultural and tourism activities, thereby building a strong social foundation for long-term friendship.

Alongside the positive outcomes achieved in traditional areas of cooperation, there remains huge potential for the two sides to broaden ties in emerging fields in line with current development trends and each country’s strategic goals, such as digital transformation and the digital economy, renewable energy, and green growth, the Ambassador added.

Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra’s upcoming official visit to Vietnam will mark an important milestone as a contribution to lifting the bilateral relationship to new heights, reinforcing political trust and mutual understanding between the two countries’ top leaders. It will also provide an opportunity for both sides to comprehensively review ongoing cooperation, resolve outstanding issues, and agree on major directions and specific measures to further invigorate the partnership in the coming period.

The cooperation documents expected to be signed during the visit will lay a new foundation for cooperation among localities, businesses and social organizations, while enhancing people-to-people connectivity and further deepening all-around cooperation.

Vietnam, Thailand seek ways to promote more practical, effective cooperation

Vietnamese Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Nguyen Manh Cuong paid a working visit to Thailand from April 21-22, aiming to seek ways to promote practical and effective cooperation in various fields, and expand exchanges and bonds between the two countries' political parties.