A new historical milestone of Vietnam-Thailand relations: Ambassador Pham Viet Hung
WVR - In an interview with the World and Vietnam Report, Vietnamese Ambassador to Thailand Pham Viet Hung emphasised that the State visit to Vietnam by King Maha Vajiralongkorn and Queen Suthida of Thailand holds significant symbolic meanings, marking a new historical milestone in Vietnam-Thailand relations.
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| General Secretary, President To Lam and his Spouse meet with King Maha Vajiralongkorn and Queen Suthida of Thailand on May 28. (Source: Thai Royal Family) |
King Maha Vajiralongkorn and Queen Suthida of Thailand are preparing to visit Vietnam, responding to the invitation from General Secretary, President To Lam and his Spouse just nearly two months ago. How does the Ambassador assess the special context of this visit?
The visit takes place at a particularly special time, as Vietnam and Thailand celebrate 50 years of diplomatic relations (August 6, 1976 - August 6, 2026), just a few months after the official visit to Thailand by General Secretary, President To Lam and his spouse at the end of May 2026. During the visit, General Secretary, President To Lam and his Spouse met with King Maha Vajiralongkorn and Queen Suthida at the Thai Royal Palace. The King expressed his fondness and positive impressions of Vietnam and highly appreciated the significance of the two countries celebrating half a century of diplomatic relations.
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| Vietnamese Ambassador to Thailand Pham Viet Hung. (Photo: Chu Van) |
The presence of King Maha Vajiralongkorn and Queen Suthida in Hanoi also marks the third high-level visit by Thai leaders to Vietnam in just over three months, following the official visits to Vietnam by Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul (June 8-9) and President of the National Assembly and Speaker of the House of Representatives Sophon Zaram (August 5-7). This frequent and high-level exchange of delegations is vivid evidence of the importance, political trust, and determination of the leaders of both countries to strengthen and deepen the framework of the Vietnam-Thailand Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, which was upgraded in May 2025.
King Maha Vajiralongkorn visited Vietnam twice when he was Crown Prince. What does his return to Vietnam as the head of the Thai Royal Family signify for the relations between the two countries, Ambassador?
King Maha Vajiralongkorn's return to Vietnam holds special historical, emotional, and symbolic significance. His visits to Vietnam in 1992 and 1997 as Crown Prince left a profound mark on the relations between the two countries. During the meeting with General Secretary, President To Lam on the afternoon of May 28 at the Thai Royal Palace, King Maha Vajiralongkorn shared fond memories and positive impressions of Vietnam and its people from his previous visits.
More than three decades later, the King's return to Vietnam as the head of the Thai Royal Family, along with Queen Suthida, is a very natural continuation of the ties nurtured over generations. The visit demonstrates the interest and affection of the King and the Thai Royal Family towards Vietnam, providing an opportunity for the Vietnamese people to welcome the King and Queen with friendship, closeness, and respect.
I believe that the first State visit to Vietnam by the King and Queen of Thailand will continue to strengthen the foundation of friendship, enhance the bond between the peoples of the two countries, and create new momentum to fully realize the potential of the Vietnam-Thailand Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, aiming for a future of peace, prosperity, and sustainable development.
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| Projects by Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn of Thailand support improving the quality of life for children in Quang Tri Province. (Photo: VNA) |
The Thai Royal Family has implemented many meaningful projects in Vietnam in the fields of education, community development, and social welfare. What message do these projects convey, Ambassador?
I believe that the projects of the Thai Royal Family in Vietnam first and foremost convey a profound message of friendship, sharing, and human-centred development between the two nations. Over the decades, the Thai Royal Family, especially Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn, has shown special interest in educational programs, school nutrition, healthcare, and community development in Vietnam. Since 2006, projects initiated by the Princess have been implemented in various localities such as Hoa Binh, Quang Ninh, Ninh Binh, Ha Giang, Lao Cai, and Quang Tri. These programs not only support school infrastructure but also help improve meals, healthcare, sanitation, school agricultural development, and enhance the quality of education, especially for students in disadvantaged areas.
What is most commendable is that these projects are not merely supportive but aim to provide opportunities and build long-term capacity for the community. Through the school agriculture model, for instance, students not only have additional food sources for meals but also learn about science, the environment, labour, and life skills. Thus, the support is transformed into the community's self-development capacity.
Notably, in 2026, educational cooperation with the Thai Royal Family is opening a new direction with the Pilot Regional Science Platform initiative in Vietnam, aiming to connect Vietnamese and Thai students and teachers in science, STEM, research, and sustainable development. This is a shift from “educational support” to “co-creating knowledge and future together”, creating more substantial connections between the young generations of the two countries.
The projects of the Thai Royal Family show that the relations between the two countries are not only fostered through visits and documents but also through very concrete actions for the people and the younger generation, sending a message of sincere friendship and a sustainable relationship nurtured from generation to generation.
Thank you very much, Ambassador!
