Vietnam, Thailand upgrade relations to Comprehensive Strategic Partnership
Through multisectoral relations, the two ASEAN members will focus on economic ties in order to soon attain their $25-billion trade target together. They will also strengthen cultural exchanges while promoting regional stability through sustainable development and digital transformation.
THE HANOI TIMES — Vietnam and Thailand have upgraded their relations to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership today [May 16] during the official visit of Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, the first by a Thai Prime Minister in 11 years.
Vietnam's Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and his Thailand counterpart Paetongtarn Shinawatra during her official visit in Hanoi on May 16. Photos: VGP
The move marks a new chapter in the history of bilateral relations, demonstrating the long-term vision, strategic trust, and shared commitment to a brighter and sustainable development.
On that basis, the two sides agreed to outline bilateral cooperation centered on three core pillars: a partnership for Sustainable Peace, Sustainable Development, and Sustainable Future.
Within the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN), Vietnam has upgraded its relations with Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, and Thailand to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
During the meeting in Hanoi, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh welcomed Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra and her delegation for an official visit to Vietnam. He highlighted the visit's significance, noting that it is her first visit since taking office and the first joint cabinet meeting between the two countries in a decade.
He described Thailand as a close neighbor, key partner, and trusted friend.
Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra reaffirmed Vietnam’s importance as a leading regional partner and emphasized the value of the joint cabinet mechanism, an exclusive format Thailand shares with only a few neighbors. She expressed hope for deeper, more substantive bilateral ties.
This is the first Thai prime minister's visit to Vietnam after 11 years.
Both sides agreed to strengthen political, defense, and security cooperation to maintain regional peace and stability. They also resolved to enhance high-level exchanges and mechanisms such as the Joint Cabinet Meeting and the Vietnam – Thailand Joint Commission. They also committed to upgrading existing cooperation frameworks and holding annual meetings at the prime ministerial level.
In preparation for the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations in 2026, the two countries will coordinate closely commemorative events and finalize an action plan for implementing their Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
The leaders pledged to expand cooperation in security, law, and justice, with a focus on combating transnational crimes such as drug and human trafficking and cybercrime. They reaffirmed their commitment to preventing the use of their territories for activities against the other.
The two prime ministers visit a handicraft product exhibition in Hanoi.
In economic terms, both countries will advance integration through the “Three Connectivity” Strategy that links supply chains, businesses, and infrastructure. They aim to raise two-way trade to $25 billion in a balanced and sustainable manner, while promoting investment in clean energy, digital and green economies, innovation, and high-tech agriculture. At the same time, they vow to strengthen cooperation in labor, science, technology, and green and digital transformation.
Acknowledging the importance of people-to-people ties, both sides pledged to boost exchanges, expand direct flight routes, and support initiatives like “Six Countries, One Destination.” They also committed to protecting the rights and well-being of each other’s citizens, including the Vietnamese community in Thailand.
Regarding the 4th Vietnam – Thailand Joint Cabinet Meeting, the first in 10 years, which was co-chaired by Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra in Hanoi on May 16, Vietnamese Ambassador to Thailand Pham Viet Hung said it comes at a pivotal time.
The two countries focus on key domestic and regional priorities. Vietnam is advancing its 13th Party Congress goals and preparing for the 14th while strengthening regional ties. Meanwhile, Thailand is prioritizing economic growth and social welfare under its 13th National Development Plan.
Since 2013, the Enhanced Strategic Partnership has deepened bilateral cooperation. Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has made regional diplomacy a priority, with Vietnam being a key focus.
The meeting provides a platform to assess progress, address issues, and advance the 2022–2027 Action Plan, paving the way for a strengthened partnership as the two countries approach the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations in 2026.
Thailand and Vietnam are key economic partners, with Thai FDI in Vietnam among the top 10, totaling around $15 billion.
Thailand is Vietnam’s largest ASEAN trade partner and 9th largest investor, with bilateral trade increasing 6.5% to $20.18 billion in 2024. The two countries expect to soon reach their $25-billion trade target soon, driven by the potential of both nations and the successful implementation of the “Three Connectivities” Strategy, which boosts investment and tourism.
Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra expresses delight upon receiving a gift symbolizing Vietnamese culture.
According to Ambassador Pham Viet Hung, Thailand supported the Vietnamese community by preserving cultural sites like Vietnam Street in Udon Thani and the Ho Chi Minh Memorial, as well as by backing events like the Lunar New Year.
He highlighted that the Vietnam-Thailand relationship has flourished for nearly 50 years, including 30 years of cooperation since Vietnam joined ASEAN in 1995. Both nations are strategic partners, enhancing ASEAN unity and addressing regional issues, particularly in the South China Sea.
They support regional initiatives, foster people-to-people ties, and spearhead efforts for the ASEAN Community Vision 2025, focusing on digital transformation, sustainable development, and climate change.
They will strengthen high-level exchanges, beginning with preparations for a visit to Vietnam by the King and Queen of Thailand and a visit to Thailand by Party General Secretary To Lam at an appropriate time.
Representatives of the two countries sign agreement on trade and investment in the attendance of the two prime ministers.
Agreements
At the 4th Vietnam – Thailand Joint Cabinet Meeting, the two sides inked eight agreements, most of which focused on trade and investment.
The agreements include:
1/ Memorandum of Understanding between the Ministry of Industry and Trade of Vietnam and the Ministry of Commerce of Thailand on cooperation in economy and trade.
2/ Financial support in commemoration of over a decade of implementing the Letter of Agreement on Cooperation in Law Enforcement and Drug Control between the Office of the Narcotics Control Board, Ministry of Justice of Thailand, and the Investigation Police Department on Drug-related Crimes, Ministry of Public Security of Vietnam.
3/ Cooperation Program between the Domestic Market Management and Development Authority and the Foreign Market Development Department under Vietnam’s Ministry of Industry and Trade and Thailand’s Central Group for the period 2026–2028.
4/ Memorandum of Understanding between Hung Yen People’s Committee and Thailand’s WHA Group on the development of the Phu Cu Industrial Park in the northern province of Hung Yen.
5/ Memorandum of Understanding on Strategic Investment Cooperation between Phu Tho People’s Committee and Amata Vietnam Group.
6/ Approval of Investment Policy for the Infrastructure Development Project of Giang Quang Thinh Industrial Park in the central province of Thanh Hoa.
7/ Comprehensive Cooperation Agreement between Bank for Investment and Development of Vietnam (BIDV) and the Export-Import Bank of Thailand.
8/ Memorandum of Understanding between Thailand’s Khon Kaen University and Vietnam’s FPT University on Cooperation in Training Human Resources for the semiconductor industry.
