Q: The State visit to Viet Nam by King Maha Vajiralongkorn and Queen Suthida comes at a time when the two countries are celebrating the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations and is also the King’s first State visit to Viet Nam since his accession to the throne. How do you assess the historical and symbolic significance of the visit, as well as its importance in consolidating friendship and political trust and opening a new phase of cooperation following the elevation of bilateral ties to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership?
A: I believe the State visit to Viet Nam by King Maha Vajiralongkorn and Queen Suthida is of particularly important significance and represents a historic milestone in Viet Nam-Thailand relations.
This is the first State visit to Viet Nam by the King and Queen of Thailand. Previously, King Maha Vajiralongkorn visited Viet Nam in 1992 and 1997 when he was Crown Prince. Therefore, this visit is significant not only for relations between the two States, but also demonstrates the continuity of friendship and close ties among the Thai Royal Family, the two Governments and the peoples of the two countries.
The visit takes place at a special time, as Viet Nam and Thailand are celebrating the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations (August 6, 1976-2026), while bilateral ties were elevated to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in May 2025. The new framework has created a foundation and impetus for the two sides to deepen cooperation and make it more substantive and effective. This has been clearly demonstrated by the continuous high-level visits and exchanges between the two countries in 2026, from the official visit to Thailand by General Secretary and President To Lam on May 27-28, the official visit to Viet Nam by Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul on June 8-9, and the visit by President of the National Assembly and Speaker of the House of Representatives of Thailand Sophon Zaram on August 5-7, to the State visit by the King and Queen.
The high frequency and level of these exchanges provide vivid evidence of the importance the two countries’ leaders attach to bilateral ties, their political trust and their strong determination to consolidate and further deepen the Viet Nam-Thailand Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
I believe the visit by the King and Queen will further consolidate the foundation of friendship, strengthen people-to-people ties and create fresh momentum to fully realise the potential of the Viet Nam-Thailand Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, towards a future of peace, prosperity and sustainable development.
Q: The visit carries not only political significance but also aims to promote economic and cultural cooperation and people-to-people exchanges. Which areas of cooperation do you expect to gain fresh momentum from the visit?
A: I believe Viet Nam-Thailand relations are facing a major opportunity for a breakthrough, and I expect this visit to provide fresh impetus for both economic cooperation and areas that directly connect the peoples of the two countries.
First, there remains considerable room for expanding economic, trade and investment cooperation. The two countries have a strong possibility of reaching the target of 25 billion USD in bilateral trade this year, laying the groundwork for higher targets in the future, such as 30 billion USD or 50 billion USD. Alongside traditional areas of cooperation, I believe the two sides should make better use of their potential in digital transformation, artificial intelligence, semiconductors, renewable energy, green finance, logistics and high-tech agriculture — areas that are aligned with the development orientations of both countries.
Second, I expect cultural and educational cooperation and people-to-people exchanges to see further progress. These areas play an important role in creating a sustainable social foundation for bilateral relations.
In particular, projects implemented by the Thai Royal Family in Viet Nam in education, community development and social welfare provide vivid examples of a people-centred approach to cooperation. I hope the visit will create more opportunities for the two sides to share experience and replicate effective cooperation models, thereby bringing the benefits of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership closer to the people.
Q: Looking ahead, what kind of mark do you expect the visit by the King and Queen to leave on Viet Nam-Thailand relations over the next 50 years, particularly as the two countries seek to strengthen their roles within ASEAN and build a peaceful, stable and prosperous region?
A: The visit by the King and Queen of Thailand to Viet Nam will become an important milestone, opening a new chapter in Viet Nam-Thailand relations over the next 50 years.
If the past 50 years have been a journey during which the two countries built trust, enhanced mutual understanding and gradually upgraded their relations, the next 50 years should be a period of fully realising the potential of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, with increasingly strong ties and mutual trust. I expect the visit to help consolidate the foundation of friendship between the two peoples, while providing fresh impetus for successive generations of leaders and people of the two countries to continue nurturing these relations.
At the regional level, Viet Nam and Thailand are both active and responsible members of ASEAN. The two countries share many interests and similar views on maintaining a united and resilient ASEAN and its central role in the regional architecture. Therefore, I expect Viet Nam-Thailand relations to increasingly become an important driving force for ASEAN solidarity and cooperation, particularly in responding to emerging challenges and promoting regional connectivity.
More importantly, I hope the two countries will make greater contributions to a peaceful, stable, resilient and sustainably developing ASEAN and Southeast Asia, where countries cooperate, develop together and share the benefits of peace.
Thank you very much!
