Strengthening Bonds: Vietnam's To Lam Meets Thailand's Royal Family

During an official trip to Thailand, General Secretary and President To Lam of Vietnam, accompanied by his spouse Ngo Phuong Ly, met with King Maha Vajiralongkorn and Queen Suthida at the Royal Palace in Bangkok. This gathering symbolizes a significant step in the deepening relationship between Vietnam and Thailand, coinciding with 50 years of diplomatic ties.

The Thai King greeted the Vietnamese leader and underscored the importance of this visit, especially after the recent upgrade to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. King Vajiralongkorn expressed optimism that the enhanced partnership would unlock new avenues for collaboration and foster regional peace, stability, and prosperity.

Within the talks, the King commended Vietnam for its impressive socio-economic progress and acknowledged the rapid advancements made over the years. He reminisced about his visits to Vietnam, sharing fond memories and expressing admiration for the nation’s growth and cultural richness.

President To Lam expressed gratitude for the King and Queen's gracious welcome, relaying warm wishes from Vietnam's leadership. He acknowledged Thailand's notable development and expressed confidence in its role as a key player in ASEAN and on the global stage.

Highlighting Thailand’s status as Vietnam’s primary trading partner within ASEAN and a significant source of foreign investment, President To Lam shared that discussions with Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul led to fruitful outcomes. These included an action plan to implement their Comprehensive Strategic Partnership from 2026 to 2031, focusing on defense, security, trade, science, technology, connectivity, cultural exchange, and community integration.

The President expressed gratitude for the Thai Royal Family's efforts in educational, welfare, and community development initiatives in Vietnam. He requested ongoing support for the Vietnamese community residing in Thailand and highlighted the need to preserve Vietnamese cultural sites, including those dedicated to President Ho Chi Minh.

The meeting concluded positively, with President To Lam extending an invitation to King Maha Vajiralongkorn and Queen Suthida to visit Vietnam soon. The Thai King enthusiastically accepted, showcasing the enduring friendship and evolving collaboration between these two ASEAN neighbors.