Two important strategic partners contribute to promoting ASEAN peace and stability: Thai scholar on Vietnam-Thailand ties
WVR - According to Thai scholar Kavi Chongkittavorn, strengthening cooperation between Vietnam and Thailand will contribute to promoting peace and stability in ASEAN amid a volatile global landscape.
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| Mr. Kavi Chongkittavorn, Senior Fellow at the Institute of Security and International Studies, Chulalongkorn University, Thailand. (Photo: Dinh Truong) |
Ahead of the official visit to Vietnam from May 15–16 by Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, Mr. Kavi Chongkittavorn, Senior Fellow at the Institute of Security and International Studies, Chulalongkorn University (Thailand), emphasized that the Thai leader’s visit to Hanoi is of great significance, taking place at a time when the international order is being reshaped by geopolitical tensions and intensifying trade conflicts.
According to the scholar, Vietnam and Thailand can closely cooperate to advance multilateral trade and promote rules-based practices across economic, political, security, and socio-cultural fields.
Thailand and Vietnam share an excellent relationship and are gradually becoming one of the most important strategic partnerships in the region,” said Mr. Kavi Chongkittavorn.
He noted that Vietnam and Thailand are major trade partners, both bilaterally and within ASEAN. The two countries are working toward increasing bilateral trade turnover from USD 20 billion to USD 25 billion per year.
Mr. Kavi commented that Vietnam and Thailand, along with other ASEAN members, are key drivers in promoting ASEAN as a regional group that fosters peace and stability—not only within Southeast Asia but also in a broader global context marked by uncertainty.
Regarding the recent approval by the Thai Cabinet of 30 projects worth 16.4 billion baht (approximately USD 498 million) in the northeastern region of Isaan—home to a large Thai-Vietnamese community—Mr. Kavi stated that these investments will have a long-term positive impact on cross-border trade and enhance connectivity between the two nations.
He praised the initiative as a highly beneficial project, highlighting its focus on three grassroots-level connections. The project aims to link Thailand’s Northeastern region with Central Vietnam, thereby promoting trade cooperation and people-to-people exchanges. This project reflects a shared priority between the two countries: both are committed to reducing inequality and integrating disadvantaged regions into their national economic development strategies.
He also noted that Thailand and Vietnam share a common view as the strongest proponents of ASEAN centrality and unity, particularly in trade negotiations. “One of the key agendas is to ensure that ASEAN remains a driving force in multilateral trade and in upholding the international rules-based order. This is especially important as ASEAN currently faces rising tariff barriers,” said Mr. Kavi Chongkittavorn.
Emphasizing the dynamic nature of Thailand–Vietnam bilateral trade, Mr. Kavi highlighted that both countries are among the region's top exporters to Western markets. He stressed the need for both nations to diversify their investment and trade portfolios, while also continuing to strengthen cooperation in the digital economy.
According to him, Vietnam’s proactive approach in strengthening ties with other major trade partners such as the European Union (EU) and Japan demonstrates a long-term strategic vision—especially in light of the global trend toward protectionism and increasing tariffs.
He concluded that within the ASEAN framework, Thailand and Vietnam should maintain close consultations on both economic and political developments, as these two spheres are becoming increasingly interconnected.
