Thai King's State Visit to Vietnam Marks Milestone in Bilateral Relations

SOCIALIST REPUBLIC OF VIET NAM Government News Thuy Dung General Secretary and President To Lam hosts an official welcome ceremony for King of Thailand Maha Vajiralongkorn Phra Vajiraklaochaoyuhua at the headquarters of the National Assembly, Ha Noi, September 15, 2026 – Photo: VGP The State visit to Viet Nam by the Thai King and Queen from September 14-16, 2026, marks a historic milestone in Viet Nam-Thailand relations. Since the two countries established diplomatic ties in 1976, this is the first State visit to Viet Nam by a Thai King and Queen. It is also the first by King Maha Vajiralongkorn and Queen Suthida in their current roles. The King previously visited Viet Nam in 1992 and 1997 as Crown Prince. This visit holds not only political significance but also serves as a continuation of the friendship and close ties between the Thai Royal Family, Government and people and the Vietnamese Government and people. Notably, it takes place as the two nations mark the 50th founding anniversary of diplomatic relations (August 6, 1976–2026), one year after both sides upgraded their ties to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. The new framework has laid a foundation and provided fresh momentum for both sides to deepen their cooperation, making it more substantive and effective. General Secretary and President To Lam and King of Thailand Maha Vajiralongkorn Phra Vajiraklaochaoyuhua review the Guard of Honor of the Viet Nam People’s Army during the welcome ceremony, Ha Noi, September 15, 2026 – Photo: VGP In terms of trade, Thailand is currently Viet Nam's largest trading partner in ASEAN. In 2025, the two-way trade reached US$22.1 billion, up 9 percent from 2024. Of the figure, Viet Nam's exports stood at US$8.8 billion, up 12.7 percent, while imports reached US$13.3 billion, up 6.7 percent. In the first seven months of 2026, the trade value exceeded US$15.03 billion, representing a 22 percent increase year-on-year. Viet Nam's exports amounted to more than US$6.52 billion, up 34 percent, while imports exceeded US$9.51 billion, up 27 percent. In terms of investment, Thailand currently has 813 valid investment projects in Viet Nam with total registered capital of more than US$15.4 billion, ranking eighth among 153 countries and territories investing in Viet Nam and second among ASEAN investors. Meanwhile, Vietnamese investors has poured US$55.5 million in 23 valid investment projects in Thailand. In 2025, more than 660,300 Vietnamese tourists visited Thailand, making Viet Nam the 17th largest tourist source market of Thailand, while nearly 458,000 Thai tourists visited Viet Nam, ranking 11th./. ONLINE NEWSPAPER OF THE GOVERNMENT OF THE SOCIALIST REPUBLIC OF VIET NAM Editor-in-chief: Nguyen Hong Sam License: No. 102/GP-BTTTT dated on April 15, 2024. Head office: No. 16, Le Hong Phong - Ba Dinh - Ha Noi Tel: 080 43162 – 080 48440; Fax: 080 48924 Email: [email protected]