The year 2026 marks the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Vietnam and Thailand (1976-2026) and the 30th anniversary of the establishment and development of the Vietnam-Thailand Friendship Association (1996-2026). Throughout the history of bilateral relations, the Association has consistently nurtured the friendship between the two countries while gradually expanding its activities from traditional exchanges to cooperation among localities and businesses, as well as in education, culture and among younger generations, thereby contributing to greater understanding and cooperation between the peoples of Vietnam and Thailand.

On August 6, the exhibition "Woven Ties: 50 Years of Vietnam-Thailand Diplomatic Relations" opened in Hanoi, showcasing the traditional attire of Vietnam and Thailand while highlighting the cultural affinities between the two countries. The event also underscored the role of people-to-people exchanges throughout the half-century of bilateral relations.

Vietnam and Thailand share a close relationship rooted in history and culture. Long before the two countries officially established diplomatic relations, President Ho Chi Minh played an important role in fostering the bond between their peoples. Although he spent only a relatively short period in Thailand, he left behind a profound legacy of friendship.

On 5 August, following longstanding tradition, the 53rd gathering of Russian veterans who served in Vietnam during the wartime period was held at the Embassy of Vietnam in the Russian Federation.

On behalf of the Politburo, General Secretary and State President To Lam has signed the Politburo's Resolution on Overseas Vietnamese Affairs (Resolution No. 23-NQ/TW, dated August 2, 2026).

As of the morning of August 2, no additional casualties have been reported among the Vietnamese community following the earthquake that struck Japan's Kumamoto Prefecture on July 28. One Vietnamese worker was killed and another injured. Vietnamese associations have been delivering drinking water and food to affected workers.

On August 2, the Vietnamese Students' Association in Hamburg organised Vietnam Culture Day 2026 in the northern German city of Hamburg, creating a space for community connection while showcasing the distinctive features of Vietnamese culture, arts and cuisine to local residents and international friends.

On the morning of July 31, at Giac Dao Pagoda in Cheb, the Czech Republic, the Association of Vietnamese People - Asia Dragon trade center - Cheb City and surrounding areas, in coordination with the Buddhist Association of Giac Dao Pagoda, organized the handover of the first batch of relief supplies under a charitable program supporting disadvantaged people in the Karlovy Vary Region.

According to a statement issued by the Ministry, the launch successfully validated all operational and technical parameters of the missile.

As both an active and responsible member of ASEAN and a long-standing friend and trusted partner of Australia and New Zealand, Vietnam is well placed to serve as a bridge between the two Pacific nations and ASEAN, contributing to peace, stability and shared prosperity across the region.

Thailand is exploring procurement of India’s homegrown BrahMos supersonic cruise missile to modernize the Royal Thai Navy’s maritime deterrence.

The Minister of Justice has signed a Decision promulgating the Plan to organise the ASEAN Law Forum 2026 under the theme “The application of artificial intelligence (AI) in law-making and law enforcement in the digital era.” The Forum is scheduled to take place on August 18.

Tourism cooperation between Vietnam and Japan has continued to record positive growth in recent years. By expanding air connectivity, accelerating digital transformation, and developing diverse tourism products, the two countries are gradually working towards their shared goal of raising two-way tourist exchanges to 2 million annually.

The World Travel Awards (WTA) has officially announced the nominees for its 2026 Asia regional categories, with Ninh Binh shortlisted for the title of “Asia’s Leading Emerging Tourism Destination 2026”.

Vietnam will enter the peak season for welcoming international arrivals from late in the third quarter through the fourth quarter, making the tourism industry possess the foundations to maintain double-digit growth after welcoming nearly 14 million foreign visitors.

According to Radical Storage, the attraction of Hanoi comes from the combination of traditional food rich in regional identity, reasonable cost, and the experience of enjoying food directly on the streets and alleys of the old quarter.