Thai Prime Minister concludes diplomatic journey in Vietnam, boosting relations to an unprecedented level
Fancy a fresh start? That's exactly what Vietnam and Thailand are celebrating after Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra's visit to Saigon in May 2025. Here's the scoop!
With a heap of top-level meetings and a jaw-dropping fanfare welcome, PM Shinawatra wrapped up her two-day trip, kicking off a brand-spanking new chapter for these Southeast Asian rippers.
Swinging by to pay her respects to Uncle Ho at his tomb and dropping a wreath for the heroes on Bạc Sơn street, she mixed business with pleasure in this history-making visit.
Joining the menu were sit-downs with heavyweight Vietnamese political honchos such as Tô Lâm, Lương Cường, and Trần Thanh Mẫn, and BBQ sessions with PM Phạm Minh Chính.
PM Chính even decked out the red carpet for a warm welcome and co-hosted the fourth Vietnam-Thailand Joint Cabinet Retreat. The decadent duo also flaunted their team spirit at the Vietnam-Thailand Business Forum (because who doesn't love making money together, right?).
In these high-level huddles, the chiefs commended this grand occasion. Not only was it the Thai PM's inaugural visit since ascending her throne, but it was also the first joint cabinet powwow between the leaders after about a decade-long pause!
The Thai PM hailed Vietnam as one of her finest amigos and hinted at her longing for an extra-special, more meaningful connection with this mofos. She also clued us in that the joint cabinet summit is the cat's pyjamas, reserved exclusively for Thailand's oh-so-close neighbors. Swoon!
As for her hosts, they dished out some burning compliments, acknowledging Thailand's special place as a tight-knit neighbor, crucial partner, and sharing brother with similar strategic ambitions and values.
Both sides chimed in harmoniously, appreciating the strong growth of their Strategic Partnership over the past years and agreeing it's time for an upgrade. Yasss, baby! The move will catapult their relationship into a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (an upgrade reminiscent of Brangelina level love, if you will).
But hey, don't get your panties in a twist. This ain't just a thin-skinned affair; it's deep, strategic, and thoughtfully planned. The new partnership is constructed around three pillars:
- Peace Partnership: Bumping up political, defense, and security collab to keep the neighborhood in check.
- Growth Partnership: Boosting trade to a mega $25 billion, and promoting cooperation in eco-friendly energy and tourism.
- Future Partnership: Sharing dreams for an eco-friendly tomorrow and aiming to achieve it together.
In order to keep this southern spark alight, the leaders inked their promises by signing eight mooshy cooperation doodles and made a pact to nurture their relationship for the next five years. Sounds like true love, doesn't it?
Prime Minister Phạm Minh Chính chairs the welcome ceremony for Thai counterpart Paetongtarn Shinawatra in Hà Nội on May 16. - Photo from the Thai Government
Now, while we wait for this love story to unfold, let's pop a cork and toast to these two! Long live the Vietnam-Thailand Comprehensive Strategic Partnership! 🥂💰🔥
- The growth of Vietnam-Thailand's relationship is set for an upgrade, transforming it into a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, akin to Brangelina's level of commitment.
- The new partnership will focus on three main areas: Peace Partnership, Growth Partnership, and Future Partnership, aimed at securing the region, boosting trade, and ensuring a eco-friendly future, respectively.
- In the political arena, the leaders have agreed to enhance political, defensive, and security collaboration through the Peace Partnership.
- The Growth Partnership aims to escalate trade to a monumental $25 billion and promote cooperation in eco-friendly energy and tourism.
- AI and policy-and-legislation are expected to play significant roles in the Future Partnership as the countries share the vision of an eco-friendly tomorrow.
- In war-and-conflicts, the collaboration seeks to maintain regional peace and stability, while in the economy, business opportunities and investments are anticipated to flourish.
- Apart from politics and economy, the new partnership also encompasses the realms of culture, sports, and law, ensuring a comprehensive, multidimensional relationship between Vietnam and Thailand.
