Brian Jeffrey
At midday on May 16, after the fourth joint Cabinet meeting, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra revealed the formal elevation of Vietnam-Thailand relations to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, marking a new chapter in their bilateral collaboration.
Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh highlighted that both leaders had agreed on several key strategic directions, including the elevation of their existing partnership to the highest tier of diplomatic cooperation.
Thailand was among the initial ASEAN nations to forge diplomatic relations with Vietnam post-reunification. It remains the sole country where Vietnam has a joint Cabinet mechanism, a concept introduced by former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra in 2004.
The newly established partnership aims to boost regional peace and security while promoting socio-economic growth for both nations. An action plan for 2025-2030 will focus on three main pillars, which PM Chinh referred to as “launch pads” to propel Vietnam-Thailand collaboration further.
The two nations committed to strengthening their political, defense, and security ties to uphold peace and stability in the region. Plans are underway for the Thai King and Queen to visit Vietnam, alongside General Secretary To Lam’s forthcoming visit to Thailand.
Both parties agreed to enhance maritime security, defense industries, logistics, military medicine, search and rescue operations, and management of cross-border issues. They pledged to combat transnational crimes collaboratively, including drug trafficking, human trafficking, and cyber threats.
Vietnam and Thailand underscored their determination to prevent any individuals or organizations from exploiting one nation’s territory to disrupt the other.
Both countries will strengthen their economic collaboration based on a “3-Connectivity Strategy”: enhancing supply chain connections, fostering enterprise and local links, and aligning sustainable growth initiatives.
The aim is to elevate bilateral trade to USD 25 billion in a balanced and sustainable manner while optimizing market access and investment opportunities in areas like clean energy, digital economy, green economy, innovation, and advanced agriculture.
Improvements in infrastructure and logistics connectivity are planned, particularly along the East-West Economic Corridor, which will enhance the movement of goods, services, and people. Collaboration will also increase in digital transformation, green initiatives, science, and innovation.
The two nations highlighted the significance of investing in youth, education, cultural exchanges, and interpersonal connections as a foundation for lasting solidarity.
Agreements include the expansion of language centers (Vietnamese in Thailand, Thai in Vietnam), enhancing student exchanges, scholarships, and cooperation among schools. They also advocated for more direct flights between regions and the “6 countries – 1 destination” tourism initiative.
Thai PM Paetongtarn Shinawatra expressed her joy over the partnership upgrade, noting how it underscores the significance both countries attribute to their relationship, especially in uncertain global times.
Thailand has extended an invitation to PM Pham Minh Chinh to participate in the Mekong-Lancang Summit set for late 2025, along with events commemorating the 50th anniversary of their diplomatic ties in 2026.
The two nations plan to convene the Vietnam-Thailand Joint Committee on Trade soon, facilitating business partnerships. Initiatives to promote direct air, road, and sea routes—including a direct flight from Vietnam to northeastern Thailand and maritime routes linking Singapore, Vietnam, and Thailand—aim to boost tourism.
 |
 |
 |
 |
Further strengthening of educational cooperation is on the agenda, particularly in STEM, artificial intelligence, and semiconductors. The collaboration model between FPT University and Khon Kaen University for semiconductor training will be expanded.
Vietnam and Thailand have also agreed to enhance cooperation in the Mekong sub-region and across ASEAN, reinforcing the group’s central role and peace-building efforts in Myanmar.
