The visit carries historic significance and is a special political symbol, as it is the first visit by a Thai King to Viet Nam since the two countries established diplomatic relations in 1976. This demonstrates the high importance that Viet Nam and Thailand attach to their bilateral relations, which have made remarkable strides on the basis of respect, trust and mutual understanding, bringing practical benefits to the people of the two countries despite historical ups and downs and changes in the times over the past half-century.
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(Photo for illustration: VOV) |
Viet Nam and Thailand were the first ASEAN members to establish a strategic partnership with each other in 2013, before upgrading their bilateral relations to a comprehensive strategic partnership in 2025. The visit by the King and the Queen of Thailand takes place as the two countries celebrate the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations (1976-2026).
Since the beginning of this year, senior leaders of the two countries have paid numerous reciprocal visits, including General Secretary and State President To Lam's official visit to Thailand in May; Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul's official visit to Viet Nam and attendance at the third ASEAN Future Forum in June; and the official visit to Viet Nam by President of the National Assembly and Speaker of the House of Representatives Sophon Zaram in August.
The two countries are implementing the Action Program for the Viet Nam-Thailand Comprehensive Strategic Partnership for 2026-2031. Viet Nam-Thailand relations are currently assessed as being at their best stage ever. Leaders of the two countries have affirmed their high regard and determination to further develop the Viet Nam-Thailand comprehensive strategic partnership in an increasingly extensive, substantive and effective manner.
While defense and security cooperation continues to be strengthened, economic cooperation has been considered a bright spot in bilateral relations in recent times. Thailand is currently Viet Nam's largest trading partner in ASEAN and its eighth-largest investor in Viet Nam. In the first seven months of 2026, two-way trade exceeded 15 billion USD, up 22 percent compared with the same period in 2025. The two countries are striving to soon achieve the target of 25 billion USD in bilateral trade and move toward 50 billion USD in a balanced and sustainable manner.
Cooperation in other important areas such as culture, tourism, education and people-to-people exchanges has achieved many noteworthy results. In particular, the Thai Government has facilitated the preservation and development of cultural and religious sites of the Vietnamese community, including sites associated with President Ho Chi Minh and the world's first Vietnamese street officially recognized by local authorities in Udon Thani province. This has also created favorable conditions for the community of more than 100,000 Vietnamese people to participate in Thailand's political, economic and social life, becoming an important bridge of friendship between people of the two countries.
Viet Nam and Thailand also regularly coordinate closely in their positions at regional and international forums, particularly within ASEAN, the U.N., the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum and Mekong subregional cooperation mechanisms.
Shared interests and aspirations for peace, independence and self-reliance, a common vision of security, prosperity and sustainable development, and respect for international law provide a solid foundation for the continuous and strong development of Viet Nam-Thailand relations. Looking back on the achievements made throughout the past 50 years, we have strong confidence in the bright future of Viet Nam-Thailand relations on the basis of respect for international law, as well as each other's independence, sovereignty, territorial integrity, common interests and political systems.
We wish King Maha Vajiralongkorn Phra Vajiraklaochaoyuhua and Queen Suthida a successful and fruitful visit, continuing to contribute to strengthening political trust between the two countries, enhancing ties between the Thai Royal Family and Vietnamese leaders, and promoting relations between the two countries both bilaterally and multilaterally.
Translated by Quynh Oanh