Thailand and Vietnam have agreed to elevate their bilateral relations to a comprehensive strategic partnership as the two countries mark the 50th anniversary of diplomatic ties, while signing four cooperation agreements on the economy, technology, education and the aviation industry.
Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul on Thursday welcomed To Lam, President of Vietnam and General Secretary to the Communist Party, who is making an official visit to Thailand.
At 11.35am at the Santi Maitree Building, the two leaders witnessed the exchange of four memoranda of understanding (MoU) and cooperation documents:
- Thailand-Vietnam Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Action Plan for 2026–31
- Cooperation in science, technology and innovation between agencies of both countries
- A feasibility study for an aircraft maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) centre at U-tapao airport between the Eastern Economic Corridor Office and VietJet Group, and
- Academic cooperation between Vietnam’s National Academy of Public Administration and Khon Kaen University.
Following the ceremony, both sides unveiled the official logo commemorating the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations under the theme “Growing Together”, reflecting friendship and joint development over the past half-century.
Mr Anutin said the visit marked an important opportunity to shape long-term cooperation more concretely, particularly, as both countries continued to demonstrate strong economic potential and sustained growth.
The prime minister said Thailand and Vietnam have agreed to strengthen cooperation on security, defence and the suppression of transnational crime, particularly online scams, illegal fishing, and the use of each other’s territory for political activities.
On the economic front, both countries agreed on the need for closer coordination to cope with global economic volatility while supporting the private sector’s role in driving economic growth.
The two sides set a target of increasing the value of bilateral trade to US$24 billion, which Mr Anutin described as “well within reach”. Trade between the two countries in 2025 was valued at $22.1 billion.
Thailand is also promoting the “3 Connect” strategy to strengthen joint competitiveness through the integration of future-industry supply chains, local economies and green energy cooperation aimed at enhancing regional energy security.
Technology and innovation
Another major focus is technology and innovation, with Thailand expressing readiness to exchange expertise with Vietnam in satellite technology, semiconductors and agricultural biotechnology to support future industries.
Mr Lam praised Thailand’s role in economic development and regional cooperation, reaffirming that Vietnam places great importance on relations with Thailand and stands ready to work together to strengthen peace, stability and security in the Asean region.
The Vietnamese leader also agreed with Thailand on resolving conflicts through peaceful means based on international law, particularly the principles under the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). He also commended Thailand and Cambodia for adhering to a ceasefire agreement and preparing to resume negotiations.
Mr Lam invited Mr Anutin to pay an official visit to Vietnam in the future to further strengthen bilateral ties as the two countries celebrate 50 years of diplomatic relations and seek to “grow together” across all dimensions.
