Thai Prime Minister initiates formal trip to Vietnam.

Hà Nội - The prime minister of Thailand, Paetongtarn Shinawatra, touched down in Hà Nội on May 16, commencing her two-day visit to Việt Nam at the invitation of Prime Minister Phạm Minh Chính, marking the first official visit by a Thai prime minister in 11 years.

Upon arrival at Nội Bài International Airport, Paetongtarn was warmly welcomed by Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Nguyễn Văn Hùng, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Nguyễn Mạnh Cường, and our Ambassador to Thailand, Phạm Việt Hùng.

During this visit, PM Chính and PM Paetongtarn will co-chair the 4th Việt Nam - Thailand Joint Cabinet Meeting.

Paetongtarn's government holds a particular focus on strengthening relations with ASEAN countries, such as Việt Nam, with an emphasis on economic and tourism ties.

A New Height in Relations

In light of the increased strategic partnership between the two nations, this visit offers an opportune moment for both countries to take their relationship to new heights. The diplomat stated that the visit would allow for a more practical and effective approach to their expanding relationship [VNA/VNS].

The strengthened cooperation will likely contribute significantly to the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Vietnam and Thailand (1976-2026), an occasion that will mark an important milestone in the history of their bilateral ties.

Key Highlights of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership

Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra was welcomed at Nội Bài International Airport in Hà Nội by Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Nguyễn Văn Hùng on May 15. - VNA/VNS Photo

The partnership aims to encompass and expand cooperation across various sectors, such as politics, defense, security, trade, tourism, and green energy.
Eight key agreements were signed to formalize this comprehensive strategic partnership, focusing on security cooperation to address issues like drug trafficking, call center scams, human trafficking, and illegal fishing.
An action program for 2025-2030 will be structured around three key pillars: "partnership for sustainable peace," "partnership for shared prosperity," and "partnership for people-to-people exchanges" [1-5].

This partnership is expected to boost trade to $25 billion, increase tourism, and promote cooperation in green energy. It is also anticipated to contribute to a stable and harmonious environment in ASEAN, thus promoting sustainable development and prosperity for both nations [2][4].

In conclusion, Paetongtarn Shinawatra's visit to Vietnam marks a significant milestone in the bilateral relationship between the two countries, signaling a new era of comprehensive strategic partnership and increased cooperation across various sectors.

Sources:

[1] VNA, (2025, May 17). Thai PM begins 2-day official visit to Vietnam. VNS Photo. Retrieved from https://vietnamplus.vn/thai-pm-begins-2-day-official-visit-to-vietnam/29386.vnp

[2] VNA, (2025, May 17). Interview with Ambassador Phạm Việt Hùng: Role, expectations for PM Paetongtarn Shinawatra's official visit to Vietnam. Retrieved from https://vietnamplus.vn/interview-with-ambassador-pham-viet-hung-role-expectations-for-pm-paetongtarn-shinawatra-s-official-visit-to-vietnam/29388.vnp

[3] VNA, (2025, May 17). Key agreements signed during Thai PM Paetongtarn Shinawatra's official visit to Vietnam. Retrieved from https://vietnamplus.vn/key-agreements-signed-during-thai-pm-paetongtarn-shinawatra-s-official-visit-to-vietnam/29389.vnp

[4] VNA, (2025, May 17). Enhanced cooperation between Việt Nam and Thailand through diverse platforms. Retrieved from https://vietnamplus.vn/enhanced-cooperation-between-viet-nam-and-thailand-through-diverse-platforms/29385.vnp

Welcome ceremony for Thai Government leader Paetongtarn Shinawatra. - VNA/VNS Photo

[5] VNA, (2025, May 17). Việt Nam, Thailand commit to upgrading bilateral relations: Foreign Ministry. Retrieved from https://vietnamplus.vn/viet-nam-thailand-commit-to-upgrading-bilateral-relations-foreign-ministry/29387.vnp

The diplomatic ties between Vietnam and Thailand are set to reach new heights with the increased strategic partnership between the two nations, as evidenced by the recent visit of Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra.
This new era of partnership includes focus on cooperation in various sectors such as politics, defense, security, trade, tourism, and green energy.
The strengthened partnership is expected to significantly contribute to cultural exchange, sports interactions, and political discussions, given the importance placed by both governments on these aspects.