Vietnamese Ambassador to Thailand Phạm Việt Hùng. — VNA/VNS Photo Đỗ Sinh

To mark the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Việt Nam and Thailand (August 6, 1976 - August 6, 2026), Vietnamese Ambassador to Thailand Phạm Việt Hùng speaks to a Vietnam News Agency correspondent in Bangkok about this special milestone.

Could you share your thoughts about this special occasion?

The opportunity to be part of such a historic milestone is both an honour and a significant responsibility, especially as the country enters a new era of development driven by aspirations for strong growth. A highlight of this special year is the vibrant pace of high-level delegation exchanges.

The official visit to Thailand by General Secretary and President Tô Lâm in late May, followed by the official visit to Việt Nam by Thai Deputy Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul in June and the ongoing visit by Thai Parliament President and Speaker of the House of Representatives Wan Muhamad Noor Matha, which concides with the 50th anniversary, demonstrate the determination of both nations' leaders to substantively implement the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership framework and create new momentum for bilateral cooperation in the next phase of development.

Looking back at the journey of the past half-century, we deeply appreciate the efforts and dedication of generations of leaders, officials and citizens from both countries, who have nurtured the relationship and made it grow from the initial steps to the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership today. It is a journey built upon a foundation of political trust, shared interests, and the deepening bonds between the peoples of both nations.

I believe that this 50-year milestone is not only an occasion to cherish the achievements made thus far but also an opportunity to usher in a new phase of cooperation. Given the current strong relationship and the firm political resolve of both nations' leadership, I'm confident that the Việt Nam-Thailand relations will become increasingly substantive and effective, contributing to the development of each country as well as to the peace, stability and prosperity of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and the region.

What do you think forms the foundation of the enduring friendship between Việt Nam and Thailand, and what else can be done to further enhance this relationship?

I believe the most crucial foundation of the Việt Nam-Thailand relationship is the ever-strengthening political trust, the shared strategic interests and the close bonds between the people. Over the past 50 years, bilateral ties have been nurtured through the persistent efforts of generations of leaders, close coordination among ministries and agencies, the active involvement of the business community, and above all, the deep connection between the citizens of both countries.

The community of over 100,000 Thai people of Vietnamese origin, the President Hồ Chí Minh memorial sites and museums in Thailand, the 'Việt Nam Town' in Udon Thani, and the growing exchange of businesses, students and tourists between the two nations all serve as vivid testaments to the solid social foundation of the relationship.

As we enter a new stage of development, I believe there remains immense potential for cooperation between the two countries. Apart from continuing to leverage traditional cooperation areas, the two countries need to prioritise new growth drivers such as the digital economy, innovation, artificial intelligence and the semiconductor industry, as well the 'green' transition process, renewable energy development and supply chain connectivity.

Further collaboration between localities, educational institutions, research institutes and young people will help consolidate the foundation and create a momentum for the relations.

The 33rd Diplomatic Conference and the 22nd Conference on External Affairs were held in Hà Nội this week to actualise the foreign policy guidelines of the 14th National Party Congress and other major new international integration policies. After more than two years of service in Thailand, how do you assess the opportunities and challenges in implementing these policies there? Which areas will the Vietnamese Embassy in Thailand prioritise in the near future?

Thailand offers highly favourable conditions for the implementation of these policies. Việt Nam-Thailand relations are currently at the best stage, characterised by steadily strengthening political trust, increasingly intertwined strategic interests and a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership framework that has opened up cooperation opportunities across sectors.

But we also face new demands as the regional and global landscapes evolve rapidly and with complexity. Strategic competition among major powers, global economic fluctuations and the imperatives of digital and green transitions require a constant renewal of our thoughts and methods in conducting foreign affairs. Overseas representative missions no longer only bridge the two countries but also provide advice, develop situational forecasts, connect partners and drive the implementation of cooperation agreements.

In the future, the Vietnamese Embassy in Thailand will focus on carrying out agreements and common understandings reached by high-level leaders and the Action Programme for the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between the two sides from 2026 to 2031. Key priorities include boosting economic diplomacy, following the 'Three Connections' strategy, supporting localities and businesses in strengthening cooperation, as well as promoting cultural diplomacy and external information work concerning the Vietnamese community abroad. Through these efforts, we aim to foster and deepen a substantive, effective and sustainable Việt Nam-Thailand relationship. — VNS