Over time, with the dedicated efforts of generations of leaders and citizens from both countries, Viet Nam-Thailand relations have continued to grow strongly, achieving numerous outstanding accomplishments and laying a solid groundwork for advancing to a new level.
According to various historical studies, trade exchanges between the Vietnamese and Thai communities have been recorded as early as the 12th century. Over many periods, the relationship reached a basic level of amicable diplomacy between the two feudal states in the 19th century, where they were both allies and competitors in seeking influence over countries in the region.
In July 1928, after 17 years of travelling abroad in search of a path to national salvation, President Ho Chi Minh arrived in Thailand (then known as Siam), beginning his journey to promote patriotic ideals among the Vietnamese community there.
During his two years of revolutionary activity in Thailand (from 1928 to 1929), President Ho set forth the policy of Thai-Viet amity and advised the Vietnamese expatriate community to build friendly relations with the Thai people.
Although his time in Thailand was brief, President Ho Chi Minh left a profound impression on the Vietnamese community and earned great respect and admiration from the Thai people.
Diplomatic relations between Viet Nam and Thailand were officially established in 1976 and were elevated to a strategic partnership in 2013, followed by an upgrade to an enhanced strategic partnership in 2015.
Looking ahead to the 50th anniversary of diplomatic ties in 2026, Viet Nam and Thailand have highlighted the major accomplishments and positive developments in their bilateral relations.
Political, defence, and security cooperation continue to be strengthened. High-level and lower-level exchanges and bilateral cooperation mechanisms have been effectively maintained, including: the Joint Commission on Bilateral Cooperation, the Defence Policy Dialogue, the Senior Security Dialogue on Crime Prevention and Security Issues, and political consultations.
Within the framework of Viet Nam–Thailand cooperation, joint Cabinet meetings between the two countries represent a high-level bilateral cooperation mechanism co-chaired by both prime ministers, setting out major directions for the friendship and partnership between the two sides.
Thailand is Viet Nam’s largest trading partner in ASEAN and ranks 9th globally. In 2024, two-way trade exceeded 20.2 billion USD, an increase of over 6% compared to 2023. Thailand also ranks 9th among the largest foreign investors in Viet Nam, with more than 700 valid projects and total registered capital exceeding 14 billion USD.
To date, the two countries have held three Viet Nam-Thailand Joint Cabinet meetings, in 2004, 2012, and 2015, and are currently making thorough preparations for the fourth. They are also effectively implementing the Action Programme for the Enhanced Strategic Partnership between Viet Nam and Thailand for the 2022–2027 Period.
Economic cooperation continues to be enhanced. Thailand is Viet Nam’s largest trading partner in ASEAN and ranks 9th globally. In 2024, two-way trade exceeded 20.2 billion USD, an increase of over 6% compared to 2023. Thailand also ranks 9th among the largest foreign investors in Viet Nam, with more than 700 valid projects and total registered capital exceeding 14 billion USD.
In addition, cooperation in other key areas such as energy, culture, tourism, and education has yielded substantial results. The two countries also maintain close coordination at regional and international forums, especially within ASEAN, the United Nations, the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC), and the Mekong sub-regional cooperation mechanisms.
Throughout the various historical periods shared with Thailand, despite facing many hardships, Vietnamese expatriates have remained actively engaged in the political, economic, and social life of the country, serving as a crucial bridge in strengthening solidarity and friendship between the two peoples. The first official "Vietnam Street" in the world, inaugurated in Udon Thani Province in 2023 and recognised by local authorities, stands as a major milestone in relations between the two countries.
Through a historical process of formation and development, cultivated by President Ho Chi Minh and generations of leaders from both nations, and with the contributions of the overseas Vietnamese community, the Viet Nam–Thailand relationship has achieved many solid and important accomplishments. Cooperation between localities in both countries continues to grow in a warmer and more effective direction, bringing mutual benefits.
In August 2024, on the occasion of Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra’s assumption of office, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh held a phone call to reaffirm that Viet Nam values and wishes to further strengthen the Viet Nam-Thailand relationship, making it increasingly strong, trustworthy, and substantive.
Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra emphasised that Viet Nam is a close neighbour and an important partner of Thailand in the region and expressed her readiness to promote and enhance comprehensive cooperation between the two countries.
Assessing that the enhanced strategic partnership between Viet Nam and Thailand is developing strongly and effectively across various fields, the two prime ministers agreed on the need to soon elevate the bilateral relationship to a new level.
