Thailand-Vietnam relations largely shaped by royal legacies: Ambassador

THE HANOI TIMES — Thailand marked its National Day on December 5 with a message emphasizing its deepening partnership with Vietnam and the shared commitment to regional stability and development.

Thai Ambassador Urawadee Sriphiromya highlighted the nearly five-decade relationship between Thailand and Vietnam, a partnership built on political trust, strong economic ties, and increasingly dynamic people-to-people exchanges.

She noted that December 5 carries special meaning for Thais worldwide, as it is the day they commemorate the birthday anniversary of King Bhumibol Adulyadej The Great, which is also celebrated as Thai Father’s Day.

These occasions honor the devotion of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej The Great, revered as the “Father of the Nation”, for his seven decades of work to improve the lives of all Thais. His more than 4,000 Royal Projects tackled poverty, inequality, unemployment and environmental challenges, leaving a lasting impact nationwide.

One of his most enduring legacies is the Sufficiency Economy Philosophy (SEP), which promotes resilience, self-reliance and sustainable development. The model is now applied internationally, including projects in Vietnam’s northern province of Thai Nguyen and the Mekong Delta province of Vinh Long that support agroforestry, environmental protection and community-based tourism.

Since ascending the throne as the 10th monarch of the Chakri Dynasty, His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn Phra Vajiraklaochaoyuhua has vowed to continue and expand his father’s legacy. His Majesty the King’s Volunteer Project encourages public solidarity and shared responsibility across Thailand and abroad.

In Vietnam, the Thai Embassy has followed the King’s guidance by carrying out volunteer activities with support from ThaiCham and the local Thai community.

They made donations to several organizations, including the Hanoi Center for Care, Nurturing and Treatment of Victims of Agent Orange/Dioxin, K Hospital, SOS Children’s Village Hanoi, Hanoi Pet Adoption, among others.

The Royal Thai Embassy, in collaboration with Vietnam’s National Institute of Hematology and Blood Transfusion (NIHBT), also hosts an annual blood donation drive attracting around 150 Thai and Vietnamese donors.

On this occasion, a tribute video honoring Queen Mother Sirikit, revered as the “Mother of the Nation” of Thailand, reflects deep respect for her contributions to cultural preservation and the well-being of the Thai people.

Ambassador Sriphiromya noted that 2025 is a historic year for bilateral relations, as Thailand and Vietnam elevated their partnership to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP) during the Thai Prime Minister’s official visit to Hanoi in May.

“The CSP does not only mean that all cooperation will be further strengthened in all aspects but also reaffirms Thailand and Vietnam’s proactive and constructive roles in the region in maintaining peace, security and stability,” stated the Ambassador.

The new framework sets the stage for deeper cooperation in security, trade and sustainable development, while reinforcing both countries’ constructive roles in maintaining regional peace and stability.

Economic cooperation remains a key pillar, with Bilateral trade reached more than US$20.1 billion in 2024, and Thailand has become Vietnam’s 9th largest foreign investor with accumulated capital exceeding US$15 billion.

The two governments will continue removing barriers to raise bilateral trade to US$25 billion, supporting each other in global value chains and creating a more business-friendly environment to mitigate the impacts of global trade tensions, boosting trade and investment flows between the two countries.

Ambassador Sriphiromya emphasized that people-to-people cooperation remains a key driver in the foreign policies of both countries. More than 100,000 Thai people of Vietnamese origin, particularly in the Northeastern region, continue to serve as important bridges in bilateral relations.

“We are committed to enhancing mutual understanding through cultural and people-to-people exchanges. We hope these numbers will continue to grow for both sides, and we will keep organizing events to promote tourism between our two countries,” the diplomat noted.

Regarding efforts to join hands with Vietnam in difficult times, the Ambassador said the Royal Thai Embassy and the Thai community in Vietnam stood beside Vietnamese friends during the severe impacts of Typhoon Yagi last year and helped pack the survival bags and had them delivered to affected communities.

In particular, in March 2025, the first flagship Thai Festival held at the UNESCO-recognized Thang Long Imperial Citadel in Hanoi attracted more than 10,000 visitors over three days.

It is one of only six such events worldwide, reflecting Vietnam’s special place in Thailand’s cultural diplomacy. Volunteer activities carried out in coordination with Thai businesses and the Thai community in Vietnam also reflected the growing bonds between the two societies.

The event served not only as a cultural bridge to deepen understanding between the peoples of both nations but also highlighted Hanoi as a prominent center of Vietnam’s cultural and historical heritage.

Ambassador Urawadee said both sides will work together to advance the Three Connects Strategy, which focuses on supply chain linkages, local-to-local cooperation and green growth.

On behalf of the Government and people of Vietnam, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Le Thi Thu Hang conveyed congratulations to the Royal Thai Government, the people of Thailand, Ambassador Urawadee Sriphiromya and all Thai friends.

She praised Thailand’s recent achievements and growing role as a dynamic regional economy, noting its strengths in tourism, services, industry, high-tech agriculture and the digital economy, as well as its active contributions to ASEAN and sub-regional cooperation.

Reviewing nearly 50 years of diplomatic ties, Hang said both countries can take pride in strengthened political trust, expanding investment and trade and improved transport connectivity that supports business and tourism.

She noted that decentralized cooperation has also created new momentum for growth and cultural exchange.

She highlighted the elevation of bilateral ties to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in May 2025 as a historic milestone that broadens cooperation and reinforces ASEAN’s resilience, unity and centrality.

Hang added that people-to-people exchanges remain a strong bridge, reflected in the growing appreciation of each other’s cultures and Thailand’s support for the Vietnamese community living there.

“Next year, Thailand and Vietnam will celebrate the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations (1976–2026). I look forward to joining friends and partners across Vietnam in marking this important milestone and deepening our cooperation for the mutual benefit of our peoples,” Ambassador Sriphiromya emphasized.