This is General Secretary and President To Lam’s first visit to Thailand. The visit follows the 14th National Congress of the Communist Party of Vietnam and coincides with the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries. Thailand is also the first destination on Mr. Lam’s tour of ASEAN member states.
The visit creates an opportunity for the highest leaders of both countries to exchange views and create new opportunities and new drivers to further enhance the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership established in May 2025.
Deepening the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership
Vietnam and Thailand are important partners in Southeast Asia sharing a strategic interest in maintaining regional peace and stability and promoting development. Bilateral relations have been elevated through high-level visits, bilateral cooperation mechanisms, and efforts to significantly increase two-way trade. Cultural, educational, and tourism cooperation has also developed positively, strengthening mutual understanding and relations between their peoples.
Ahead of the visit, Thai Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow said the visit is expected to create a new momentum for bilateral cooperation. “In this day and age, it's very important to make sure that economic growth is sustainable. We should work to make sure that our economic ties, trade, and investment proceed in a sustainable way and promote sustainable development. Looking ahead, we see new areas of economic partnership. I'm sure all of us are familiar with green economy, digital economy, science and technology, and working to develop our human resources. I hope these are what I see as the future direction of our comprehensive strategic partnership.”
Vietnamese Ambassador to Thailand Pham Viet Hung said the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership provides an important basis for Vietnam and Thailand to further expand and deepen cooperation in new areas.
“Besides traditional areas that have long served as pillars of economic cooperation between the two countries, such as investment, trade, and tourism, the two countries also share common development goals, such as sustainable development, digital transformation, green transition, addressing energy security challenges, and combating climate change. Cooperation in the maritime economy, fisheries, green energy, clean energy, and ensuring energy security for both nations holds significant potential,” Mr. Hung said.
During the visit to Thailand, General Secretary President Lam will attend the celebration of the 50th anniversary of Vietnam–Thailand relations, hold talks with the Thai Prime Minister, pay his respects to the King and Queen, and meet the President of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives. He will also chair the Vietnam–Thailand Business Forum, which is expected to bring together 300 enterprises from the two countries. These activities underscore the importance both sides attach to advancing bilateral relations in a more substantive and effective manner.
A message for ASEAN
The Vietnamese top leader’s visit to Thailand conveys a message about the role of Vietnam and Thailand in promoting a united and resilient ASEAN and its central role in the regional architecture.
Thai Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Phuangketkeow said: “ASEAN is at important crossroads. We've had many successes in the past. We face many challenges. We need to strengthen ASEAN unity and centrality. There are challenges to be overcome, and Thailand and Vietnam, I think we share the same outlook on the region, the same outlook as ASEAN is concerned. This is a time where we have to really advance regionalism in ASEAN.”
Amid the global and regional uncertainties and rapid changes, solidarity and trust between its member states is the foundation for ASEAN to promote peace, stability, and sustainable development.
