Prime Minister Anutin discussed with the Vietnamese President to advance the vision of "Joining Hands and Growing Together," driving the comprehensive strategic partnership between Thailand and Vietnam towards a shared future.
At 11:00 a.m. on 9 June 2026 (local time in Hanoi, matching Thailand's time), at the Stateroom of the Vietnamese Presidential Palace (Tonkin Palace), Mr. Anutin Charnvirakul, Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, paid a courtesy visit to H.E. Mr. To Lam, General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam and President of Vietnam. The meeting aimed to continue cooperation and follow up on discussions following the Vietnamese President's official visit to Thailand last week.
After the meeting, Ms. Ratchada Thanadirek, Spokesperson for the Prime Minister’s Office, stated that the key points included: 1. The Vietnamese President expressed gratitude to the Thai government for the warm welcome during his visit to Thailand, which was highly successful and well received by both Thai and Vietnamese people. He also congratulated the Prime Minister on his visit to Vietnam, highlighting its significance for continuing cooperation between the two countries.
The Prime Minister thanked the Vietnamese President for the courtesy visit and hosting a luncheon. In a friendly tone, he said that over the past two weeks he had become more punctual because he used the watch the Vietnamese President gave him during the visit to Thailand. He emphasized that discussions in Bangkok had led to substantial business cooperation, and that the Thai public widely admired the Vietnamese President and his wife. This visit included nine ministers and commanders from all military branches, reflecting Thailand's commitment to elevating cooperation with Vietnam in all dimensions.
Shared Trade Goals
2. Accelerating bilateral cooperation and shared trade targets. Both sides reaffirmed their mutual determination to advance the comprehensive strategic partnership between Thailand and Vietnam. The Vietnamese President proposed that ministers and relevant agencies from both countries meet more closely through various cooperation mechanisms, especially the Joint Cabinet Retreat (JCR). They also agreed to promote the Three Connects strategy and aim for bilateral trade of 25 billion U.S. dollars, with a future goal of expanding to 50 billion U.S. dollars.
The Prime Minister confirmed that Thailand is ready to support the Three Connects strategy, particularly in green economic cooperation and achieving Net Zero goals. He expressed confidence that bilateral trade would reach 25 billion U.S. dollars within this year, with potential growth to 30 billion U.S. dollars in the near future.
Ms. Ratchada added that the Vietnamese President also proposed developing security cooperation mechanisms between the two countries, including military, security agencies, and maritime authorities. Additionally, they discussed considering an extradition treaty and addressing issues related to illegal residents in Thailand.
The Prime Minister said that the participation of the Defense Minister and commanders from all military branches in the visit to Vietnam reflects Thailand’s seriousness in enhancing security cooperation. He proposed establishing a 2+2 dialogue mechanism between the foreign ministers and defense ministers of both countries. Moreover, Thailand reaffirmed it would not allow its territory to be used for anti-friendly country activities and is prepared to enforce laws fully, supporting the prompt organization of joint working group meetings on these matters.
The Prime Minister also conveyed concerns from Thai private sector businesses that have operated in Vietnam for over 30 years, especially regarding regulatory changes and law enforcement that may impact business operations, including some companies awaiting contract payments.
The Vietnamese President assured that the Vietnamese government values Thai investors, who are leading companies playing important roles in Vietnam’s economic development. He emphasized that there would be no retroactive law enforcement and instructed relevant agencies to listen closely and promptly resolve investors’ issues.
Finally, Thailand is ready to support the gift of 12 cranes to Vietnam within this year as a symbol of friendship, cooperation in natural resource conservation, and the strong relationship between the peoples of both countries, reflecting the shared vision of “Joining Hands and Growing Together” in a tangible way.