The recent visit by Director-General Piyapak Sricharoen of Thailand’s Department of East Asian Affairs to Hanoi, culminating in discussions with key Vietnamese officials, demonstrates the urgency with which Bangkok is pursuing this strategy. The meetings, centered around the follow-up of Prime Ministerial and Foreign Ministerial dialogues, highlight a commitment to operationalizing the Strategic Partnership. Key elements of this partnership include planned exchanges of high-level visits, the implementation of a Joint Action Plan – likely focusing on areas such as trade, investment, and defense cooperation – and preparations for commemorative activities to mark the 50th anniversary of Thai-Vietnamese diplomatic relations in 2026. Furthermore, discussions revolved around regional issues, primarily within the context of the Mekong sub-region cooperation framework, a vital conduit for economic development and connectivity.
Historically, Thailand and Vietnam have maintained a complex, often intertwined, relationship. Rooted in shared colonial history under French rule and punctuated by periods of conflict – notably the brief but impactful Thai intervention in Vietnam in 1975 – the relationship has undergone a remarkable transformation. Following Vietnam’s reunification, Thailand became a crucial supporter of the South Vietnamese government, and subsequently, a key trading partner with the unified nation. More recently, the shared threat posed by China’s assertive maritime claims in the South China Sea has become a powerful unifying factor. “The Strategic Partnership isn’t simply about economic cooperation,” explains Dr. Anucha Nakornthong, Senior Fellow at the Institute for Policy Analysis in Bangkok. “It’s about creating a credible counterweight to Beijing’s influence and solidifying Thailand’s position as a key player in the region.” Data from the Thai Customs Department shows a 18% increase in bilateral trade between the two countries in the year prior to the Strategic Partnership’s formalization, indicative of this burgeoning economic relationship.
However, the path to a deepened partnership isn’t without its challenges. The overlapping maritime disputes in the South China Sea represent a potential point of friction. While Thailand and Vietnam share a common interest in upholding international law and freedom of navigation, the underlying issues remain complex and contested. Vietnam’s increasingly assertive stance in the Spratly Islands, supported by China’s extensive military presence, necessitates careful diplomatic maneuvering from Bangkok. Moreover, the economic relationship, while growing, is still heavily reliant on Thailand’s exports to Vietnam, leaving it vulnerable to shifts in Vietnamese economic policy. Recent data from the Asian Development Bank indicates that Vietnam’s rapid industrialization is attracting significant foreign investment, potentially disrupting established trade patterns.
Looking ahead, the next six months will likely see intensified efforts to implement the Joint Action Plan, with a particular focus on establishing concrete mechanisms for collaboration in areas like infrastructure development and security. The preparations for the 50th anniversary celebrations in 2026 will undoubtedly play a significant role in bolstering the narrative of the Strategic Partnership. Over the next five to ten years, the deepening relationship between Thailand and Vietnam could become a cornerstone of regional stability, offering a vital counterbalance to China’s influence and supporting the development of a more diversified and resilient Southeast Asian community. “The Strategic Partnership represents an important test for Thailand’s ability to adapt its foreign policy to the realities of the 21st century,” argues Professor Somchai Chaiyaphrasit, Director of the Southeast Asia Studies Center at Chulalongkorn University. “Success will depend on Thailand’s capacity to balance its strategic interests with its broader commitments to multilateralism and regional cooperation.” Ultimately, the success of this partnership hinges on Thailand’s ability to manage the inherent complexities of the South China Sea situation, strengthen its economic ties with Vietnam, and build a compelling narrative that resonates across the wider Southeast Asian region. The strategic importance of this alliance within the broader context of China’s regional ambitions will continue to be a subject of intense observation and analysis.