Scholarships are present to underprivileged students as part of the event commemorating President Hồ Chí Minh's 136th birth anniversary in Nakhon Phanom Province, Thailand on Tuesday. — VNA/VNS Photos Đỗ Sinh

BANGKOK — Representatives of the Vietnamese community in Thailand gathered on Tuesday at the Hồ Chí Minh Memorial Site and the Thai-Vietnamese Friendship Village in Nakhon Phanom Province to commemorate the 136th birth anniversary of President Hồ Chí Minh.

Addressing the ceremony, Vietnamese Ambassador to Thailand Phạm Việt Hùng underscored President Hồ Chí Minh’s humanistic ideals, spirit of tolerance and aspirations for peace and justice, saying they continue to inspire movements for national independence, human rights and social progress worldwide.

He said the late leader’s revolutionary activities in Thailand remain a cherished chapter in history, preserved with pride and deep respect by generations of overseas Vietnamese.

According to the ambassador, the Hồ Chí Minh Memorial Site in Nakhon Phanom has become not only a place of historical remembrance but also a symbol of community solidarity and the enduring friendship between Việt Nam and Thailand.

This year’s commemoration coincides with the 50th anniversary of diplomatic ties between Việt Nam and Thailand.

Hùng noted that bilateral relations have expanded strongly and comprehensively over the past five decades across politics, security, defence, economy, trade, education, culture and people-to-people exchanges.

He expressed confidence that the friendship built on historical bonds, mutual understanding and sincere affection would continue to deepen, contributing to peace and sustainable prosperity for both nations.

Governor of Nakhon Phanom Province Adisak Noisuwan described the Thai-Vietnamese Friendship Village and the Hồ Chí Minh Memorial Site as important historical and cultural landmarks that help foster the close friendship between the two countries.

Ambassador of Việt Nam to Thailand Phạm Việt Hùng and Governor of Nakhon Phanom Province Adisak Noisuwan offer flower wreaths in tribute to late President Hồ Chí Minh.

For Vietnamese in Thailand, the annual commemoration in Nakhon Phanom carries profound meaning as the area was closely linked to President Hồ Chí Minh’s revolutionary journey abroad in search of national salvation.

Nguyễn Thị Hồng Mão, 76, shared emotionally that every year on President Hồ Chí Minh’s birthday, Vietnamese expatriates come together to organise a solemn ceremony and hope to preserve the tradition for future generations so that his image remains forever in the hearts of Vietnamese people in Thailand and around the world.

Dương Văn Tăng, who travelled from Mukdahan province to attend the event, said that although he has lived far from his homeland, his thoughts and affection have always been directed toward Việt Nam and President Hồ Chí Minh, expressing gratitude to the late leader for bringing independence and freedom to the nation.

Meanwhile, Bùi Thị Xuân from Sakon Nakhon province said she teaches her seven grandchildren Vietnamese every day while sharing stories about President Hồ Chí Minh’s life and contributions so they will always remember his legacy.

The commemoration also included charitable activities and scholarship awards for disadvantaged students, helping promote solidarity and compassion within the community while further strengthening Việt Nam-Thailand friendship. — VNA/VNS