Vietnam news in brief - May 12 

Thai Prime Minister to visit Vietnam later this week 

Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra will visit Vietnam on May 15-16 and co-chair the 4th Joint Cabinet Meeting with Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh. This visit aims to strengthen bilateral cooperation across various sectors, reflecting a new stage in Vietnam–Thailand relations.

Vietnam backs Russia's proposal to resume peace talks with Ukraine

Vietnam welcomed Russian President Vladimir Putin’s proposal on May 11 to resume direct negotiations with Ukraine. Speaking on May 12, Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Pham Thu Hang reaffirmed Vietnam’s consistent stance in favor of resolving international disputes through peaceful dialogue, in accordance with international law and the United Nations Charter. She emphasized that this approach upholds the legitimate interests of all parties and contributes to global peace and cooperation.

Art program honors President Ho Chi Minh’s legacy

To mark the 135th birthday of President Ho Chi Minh (May 19,1890-1969), a special art program titled “May Gifts to Uncle Ho” will be held on May 14 at the Hanoi Opera House. The event will be broadcast live on VTV1 and will honor his legacy and spread his values, especially among youth, through music, dance, and multimedia storytelling.

Quang Ninh launches major projects

For Vietnam’s 80th National Day (1945-2025), the northern province of Quang Ninh plans to start work on 31 projects and finish six others. The province, home to UNESCO-recognized Ha Long Bay, prioritizes large-scale, high-tech projects related to digital transformation, especially those with foreign investment.  

Muong Lay records highest density of traditional stilt houses

Muong Lay Town in the northern mountain province of Dien Bien is recognized for having the highest density of traditional stilt houses of the White Thai ethnic minority in Vietnam. There are a total of 1,200 households, or over 10.5 houses per square kilometer. This distinction highlights the area's cultural heritage, promotes its tourism potential, and supports sustainable development while preserving ethnic identity. Stilt houses are deeply symbolic and spiritually significant to the community's way of life.

Vietnamese fintech certified globally

VNPAY, has become the first Vietnamese firm and the 26th worldwide to receive the Mobile Payments on Commercial Off-the-Shelf (MPoC) security certification from the Payment Card Industry Security Standards Council (PCI SSC). This milestone brings Vietnam’s fintech sector in line with global security standards and opens the door to broader international collaboration. It also enables the expansion of secure, contactless mobile payments to underserved and remote areas through affordable solutions like VNPAY’s PhonePOS.

Vietnamese students win big at Asian physics contest

All eight Vietnamese students won medals at the 2025 Asian Physics Olympiad in Saudi Arabia on May 12, including three gold, three silver, and two bronze. Vietnam ranked among the top five delegations, alongside China, South Korea, Chinese Taipei, and Russia. This is a significant improvement from 2024 and affirms Vietnam’s growing strength in international science competitions.

Vietnamese wins top prize at Japan Music Award

Tung Duong, a Vietnamese male singer, will be the first Vietnamese artist to receive the International Special Award at Music Awards Japan 2025, the country's largest international music event. The ceremony will take place on May 21–22 in Kyoto. Organized by the Japan Culture and Entertainment Industry Promotion Association (CEIPA) in collaboration with six Asian countries, the award honors exceptional international artists and represents a significant milestone for Vietnamese music on the global stage.