BANGKOK — 28 May 2026, Thailand and Vietnam signed four cooperation agreements onThursday, with Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and Vietnamese President and Communist Party General Secretary To Lam witnessing the exchange at Government House.
The agreements cover a action plan for comprehensive strategic partnership for 2026–2031, science and technology cooperation, academic links between the Institute of Public Administration and Governance of Vietnam and Khon Kaen University, and a memorandum of understanding to develop an aircraft maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) centre at U-Tapao International Airport.
The MRO deal, signed between the Eastern Special Development Zone Policy Committee Office (EECO) and VietJet Group, is seen as a key step in deepening industrial cooperation. U-Tapao, located within the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) in Rayong province, is being developed as a major aviation hub.
On trade, Anutin said bilateral trade currently stands at around $24 billion annually, and both sides agreed to push toward a $25 billion target as quickly as possible.
“It doesn’t seem out of reach,” he said.
The two leaders also agreed to step up cooperation on security, including combating online scams and illegal fishing, as well as science and technology exchanges covering satellites, semiconductors, and agricultural biotechnology.
To Lam praised Thailand’s economic development and its role in strengthening ASEAN, and reaffirmed Vietnam’s commitment to resolving disputes through peaceful means under international law, including UNCLOS 1982.
He also welcomed progress in the Thailand-Cambodia ceasefire and the resumption of talks between the two countries. Both leaders co-presided over the launch of the official logo for the 50th anniversary of Thai-Vietnamese diplomatic relations, under the theme “Growing Together.” The anniversary falls on 6 Aug. 2026.
To Lam extended an invitation to Anutin to visit Vietnam at the earliest opportunity.
