Vietnam, Thailand look toward a new chapter in bilateral ties

On Friday morning, the Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee held a ceremony at Ho Chi Minh City Opera House to mark the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Vietnam and Thailand, established on August 6, 1976.

The event was attended by Parnpree Bahidda-Nukara, former Thai deputy prime minister and foreign minister and current chairman of the advisory council to the deputy prime minister and foreign minister; Dang Minh Thong, deputy secretary of the Ho Chi Minh City Party Committee; the Thai ambassador to Vietnam; and the Thai consul general in Ho Chi Minh City, among other officials.

A highlight of the ceremony was a joint cultural performance by Vietnamese and Thai artists. 

On the stage of the city's Opera House, artists from the two countries performed songs and dances showcasing their respective cultural identities, while conveying a message of friendship between the two peoples.

Carrying forward a legacy of Thailand-Vietnam friendship 

Speaking at the ceremony, Hoang Nguyen Dinh, vice-chairman of the Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee, extended warm congratulations on behalf of the city's leadership to officials and staff of Thai diplomatic missions, as well as Thai business leaders and citizens in Ho Chi Minh City.

Dinh said that over the past 50 years, bilateral ties have continued to deepen, drawing on the historical connections between the two peoples that date back to President Ho Chi Minh's time in northeastern Thailand.

A key milestone came in May 2025, when the two countries elevated their relationship to a comprehensive strategic partnership.

Dinh said Thailand is not only one of Vietnam's leading partners, but also an important partner of Ho Chi Minh City in trade, investment, tourism, education, culture and people-to-people exchanges.

As of June 2026, Thai investors had 373 projects in Ho Chi Minh City, with a total registered capital of around US$7.1 billion. 

In particular, Ho Chi Minh City and Bangkok established friendly and cooperative ties in 2015, and over the past decade, the relationship has been strengthened through a range of practical exchanges.

City leaders said the historical ties between the two countries, shared aspirations for development and commitment to peace, prosperity and a sustainable future provide a strong foundation for Vietnam and Thailand to open a new chapter of cooperation at a higher level.

"Ho Chi Minh City is committed to continuing to serve as a positive bridge, helping deepen friendship between the peoples of the two countries, strengthen ties between Vietnam and Thailand, and foster closer connections between Ho Chi Minh City and Bangkok, as well as other Thai localities," the leaders said.

Confidence in a new chapter of friendship

On the Thai side, Parnpree Bahidda-Nukara said he was pleased to be in Ho Chi Minh City for the Golden Jubilee marking the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Thailand and Vietnam.

He praised the cultural performances at the ceremony, saying the music and shared traditions allowed the two countries not only to celebrate five decades of diplomatic ties but also to honor the increasingly close bonds between their peoples.

Recalling his previous visits to Vietnam, particularly during his tenure as foreign minister, Parnpree said he was proud to have contributed to the milestone of elevating bilateral ties to a comprehensive strategic partnership.

Looking ahead, he called on the two sides to build on this strong foundation.

"Fifty years ago, Thailand and Vietnam opened a new chapter in relations between the two countries. Today, we are writing the next chapter together, one of stronger friendship, a stronger partnership, deeper connections and shared prosperity," he said.

"As we mark the golden jubilee of diplomatic relations, we should look to the future with confidence and ambition. I have full confidence in the bright future of Thailand-Vietnam relations".