King of Thailand Embarks on State Visit to Vietnam, Boosting Relations on 50th Anniversary

King Maha Vajiralongkorn Phra Vajiraklaochaoyuhua of the Kingdom of Thailand and Queen Suthida are on a state visit to Vietnam from September 14-16, 2026. This visit marks a historic milestone as both nations celebrate the 50th anniversary of their diplomatic ties, building upon the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership established in May 2022. This is the King's first state visit to Vietnam since his accession to the throne. The royal couple is accompanied by Prime Minister and accompanying Minister Anutin Charnvirakul; Thai Ambassador to Viet Nam Urawadee Sriphiromya; Secretary-General of the Royal Household, Secretary to the King, Air Force General Satitpong Sukvimol; Deputy Secretary-General of the Royal Household, Lieutenant Colonel Somchai Kanjanamanee; Royal Household Officer, Admiral Weerasak Oggungwan; and Royal Household Officer, Air Force General Chettha Muernkaew. The new framework has created a foundation and impetus for the two sides to deepen cooperation and make it more substantive and effective. This has been clearly demonstrated by the continuous high-level visits and exchanges between the two countries in 2026, from the official visit to Thailand by General Secretary and President To Lam on May 27-28, the official visit to Viet Nam by Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul on June 8-9, and the visit by President of the National Assembly and Speaker of the House of Representatives of Thailand Sophon Zaram on August 5-7, to the State visit by the King and Queen. Vietnamese Ambassador to Thailand Pham Viet Hung said the two countries are likely to realize the trade goal of US25 billion this year, laying the groundwork for higher targets in the future, such as US$30-50 billion. The visit is expected to consolidate political trust, strengthen friendship and people-to-people ties, and create fresh momentum for deeper and more substantive cooperation in trade, investment, digital transformation, artificial intelligence, semiconductors, renewable energy, green finance, logistics, high-tech agriculture, culture and education. Looking ahead, the Ambassador expressed his hope that the visit would open a new chapter in Viet Nam-Thailand relations over the next 50 years and further strengthen the two countries' contributions to ASEAN solidarity, regional connectivity, peace, stability, resilience and sustainable development./.