Thai scholar Kavi Chongkittavorn. — VNA/VNS Photo Huy Tiến

BANGKOK — Việt Nam has made significant strides this year in building strong, comprehensive strategic partnerships (CSPs) with four key ASEAN nations – Thailand, Indonesia, Singapore, and Malaysia, commenting Thai scholar Kavi Chongkittavorn in an article recently posted in the Bangkok Post.

It is a notable achievement for Hà Nội, reflecting its growing confidence and increasing political influence, according to the scholar.

He noted that under new leadership, Việt Nam aims to be a bridge between influential regional players and increase its role in shaping regional norms, economies and security. This strategy enables Việt Nam to maintain its strategic autonomy in the face of challenges.

With the country's long history of dealing with major powers, Việt Nam is adroit at navigating complex situations and has, over the years, described its pragmatism and flexibility as "bamboo diplomacy".

The expert noted that when US President Donald Trump unilaterally hiked tariffs around the world, Việt Nam was the first country in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) to initiate discussions about zero tariffs with Washington.

Within the country, Party Secretary General Tô Lâm has adopted local policies and objectives aligned with international strategies. Domestic legislative reforms are aimed at strengthening governance, promoting efficiency and transparency, and improving public service, according to Kavi Chongkittavorn.

Several other Thai scholars have also expressed admiration for Việt Nam's anti-corruption campaign and public sector reform efforts. Online outlet The Standard quoted Associate Professor Dr Piti Srisangnam, Executive Director of the ASEAN Foundation and lecturer at the Faculty of Economics, Chulalongkorn University, who said General Secretary Tô Lâm has continued to advance the anti-corruption drive initiated during the tenure of the late Party General Secretary Nguyễn Phú Trọng.

The article also cited Associate Professor Dr Thananan Boonwanna from the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences at Khon Kaen University, a noted expert on Vietnamese history. He observed that Việt Nam's sweeping administrative reforms under General Secretary Tô Lâm are unprecedented, aligning closely with the country’s long-term vision of achieving high-income status by 2045.

Dr Thananan remarked that Việt Nam's modern political image, both domestically and internationally, is becoming clearer and more prominent than ever. He emphasised that Việt Nam is pursuing a well-defined reform strategy that is being actively promoted and implemented, reflecting the nation’s commitment to real and meaningful change.

Reporting on Việt Nam’s National Assembly’s passage of the revised Law on Organisation of Local Governments on June 16, which shifts to a two-tier local governance model — Thai media noted that the move is part of Việt Nam’s comprehensive national reform agenda. It is expected to support Việt Nam’s goal of achieving rapid, stable, and sustainable development, with the ambition of reaching upper-middle-income status by 2030. — VNA/VNS