Thai PM and Vietnamese President Open Thailand–Viet Nam Business Forum, Advancing Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and Shared Economic Growth

On Thursday, 28 May 2026, at 2.00 p.m., at the Ballroom on the 4th floor of The Ritz-Carlton Hotel, Bangkok, Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Anutin Charnvirakul, together with Mr. To Lam, General Secretary of the Communist Party of Viet Nam and President of the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam, jointly presided over the opening of the Thailand–Viet Nam Business Forum 2026 under the theme “Growing Together: Celebrating 50 Years of Thailand–Viet Nam Relations.”

The Prime Minister expressed appreciation to President To Lam for attending the opening ceremony, as well as to the Thailand–Viet Nam Friendship Association and private sector representatives from both countries for their vital role in strengthening Thailand–Viet Nam economic relations on a continual basis. He noted that the forum holds special significance as it marks the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Thailand and Viet Nam. Over recent years, the relationship has evolved from friendship into a strategic partnership that plays an important role in shaping the future of both nations.

The Prime Minister stated that the world is currently facing multiple challenges, particularly for Thailand and Viet Nam as two high-potential economies, while ASEAN continues to emerge as one of the world’s most dynamic regions. Referring to discussions held during the ASEAN Summit under the theme “Navigating Our Future, Together,” he emphasized the importance of strengthening cooperation in such areas as energy and food security, mitigating the impacts of conflicts, enhancing supply chain connectivity, and preparing for new economic opportunities.

The Prime Minister pointed out that Thailand and Viet Nam are among ASEAN’s key economic drivers. Thailand is currently Viet Nam’s largest trading partner in ASEAN, while Viet Nam ranks as Thailand’s second-largest trading partner within the region. Bilateral trade has reached nearly 24 billion US dollars and is approaching the set target of 25 billion US dollars. However, he stressed that the true significance does not depend on trade figures, but on the complementary nature of both economies, reflecting a relationship built not on competition, but on shared growth. “When Viet Nam grows, Thailand grows,” he said.

Both countries are now accelerating the development of “new engines of growth” through sectors, such as the digital economy, artificial intelligence, semiconductors, electric vehicles, green industries, future food, clean energy, and the wellness economy. The Prime Minister expressed confidence that by combining their strengths, Thailand and Viet Nam can become not only regional manufacturing hubs, but also strategic partners driving ASEAN’s future economy.

Earlier on the same day, the Prime Minister and President To Lam also witnessed the signing of the “Plan of Action for Thailand-Viet Nam Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (2026-2031)” A key pillar of the plan is the “Three Connects” concept, which focuses on connecting supply chains, local economies, and sustainable development strategies to enhance competitiveness, distribute economic benefits more broadly, and build a sustainable shared future.

The Prime Minister underscored that the private sector will be a decisive force in shaping the future of Thailand–Viet Nam relations through investment, innovation, and job creation. He reaffirmed that Thailand remains open to investment, supported by a stable government, ongoing regulatory improvements, and strong potential to serve as a regional logistics hub.

In closing, the Prime Minister thanked President To Lam for choosing Thailand as his first official overseas visit after assuming office, describing it as a great honor for the Thai government. He also noted that President To Lam is the first foreign guest welcomed by the current Thai administration, reflecting the close friendship, trust, and strong ties between the two countries. The Prime Minister expressed confidence that this visit would lead to greater expansion of cooperation, investment, and new opportunities for both nations, while reaffirming that Thailand and Viet Nam will continue to move forward together toward a stable, prosperous, and sustainable future.

President To Lam, for his part, expressed his pleasure at visiting Thailand and reaffirmed Viet Nam’s commitment to promoting investment and cooperation with Thailand across all sectors, including semiconductors, advanced technology, and future-oriented industries. He also emphasized the importance of jointly advancing the bilateral trade target and achieving concrete progress as soon as possible.