Thai Parliament Speaker Marks 50 Years of Thailand-Vietnam Ties
Thailand's Parliament Speaker led a delegation to Hanoi on August 6 to commemorate 50 years of diplomatic relations with Vietnam, highlighting the two nations' comprehensive strategic partnership and joint efforts to address regional challe
On August 6, 2026, Sopanat Saramet, President of the National Assembly and Speaker of the House of Representatives, delivered a keynote address at the opening of the exhibition "The Woven Ties: Celebrating 50 Years of Thailand–Vietnam Diplomatic Relations" in Hanoi, hosted by the Thai Embassy with support from the Central Committee of the Vietnam Fatherland Front.
Saramet underscored the evolution of Thailand-Vietnam relations over the past 50 years since diplomatic ties were established on August 6, 1976. The relationship has grown from that of neighboring nations into a comprehensive strategic partnership grounded in trust, sincerity, and mutual support across political, security, economic, and people-to-people spheres.
He emphasized the critical role of both parliaments in advancing legislative cooperation, exchanging experiences, and driving initiatives that benefit the peoples of both nations, while jointly addressing contemporary challenges such as drug trafficking, transnational crime, and strengthening cybersecurity to promote peace and stability in the ASEAN region.
Saramet expressed confidence that the steadfast friendship between Thailand and Vietnam will continue to be nurtured and expanded across all levels of cooperation, creating shared prosperity and sustainably improving the quality of life for citizens of both countries.
Following the opening ceremony, Saramet led a Thai parliamentary delegation on a tour of an exhibition featuring Thai textiles and national dress that reflect the cultural identity and wisdom of both nations. The group met with Ha Thi Nga, member of the Communist Party of Vietnam's Central Committee and deputy chairperson of the Vietnam Fatherland Front's Central Committee, along with Thai government representatives, private sector figures in Hanoi, and Vietnamese officials to strengthen cooperation networks and deepen relationships across government, business, and civil society.
After the exhibition, Saramet and the delegation visited Ngoc Son Temple on Hoan Kiem Lake in Hanoi, welcomed by Ting Gong Si, deputy chairman of the National Assembly of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam. Ngoc Son Temple, or "Jade Mountain Temple," is a revered historical and cultural monument symbolizing Hanoi's heritage. Located on a small island in Hoan Kiem Lake, it is renowned for the legend of Emperor Le Loi returning a sacred sword to a giant turtle after Vietnam's independence struggle, reflecting Vietnamese national pride and millennia-old spiritual traditions.
The temple houses sacred objects and honored figures including Wen Chang Di Jun, the deity of wisdom and education; Tran Hung Dao, the hero who defended Vietnamese independence from Mongol invasion in the 13th century; and Guan Yu, a symbol of loyalty and virtue. These reflect a synthesis of Confucian, Taoist, and local beliefs that form the cultural foundation of Vietnamese society.
During the visit, the Thai parliamentary delegation learned about Vietnamese history, beliefs, and cultural heritage.
