On the evening of August 18, at The Ritz-Carlton Bangkok, the Embassy of Vietnam in Thailand held a formal reception to celebrate the 81st anniversary of the August Revolution and National Day on September 2, as well as the 50th anniversary of the establishment of Vietnam-Thailand diplomatic relations.

Ambassador Pham Viet Hung introduces Thai Deputy Foreign Minister Vijavat Isarabhakdi to Nem Cong, a distinctive dish of Hue royal cuisine. (Photo: Do Sinh/VNA)

The event brought together nearly 1,000 guests, including Thai parliamentary and government officials, members of the diplomatic corps, representatives of international organizations, friends and partners, and Vietnamese people living in Thailand.

Speaking at the event, Vietnamese Ambassador to Thailand Pham Viet Hung said the 81st National Day celebration marks a pivotal year for Vietnam, as the country successfully organized the 14th National Party Congress, elected new leadership and set out new directions for the country's development over the coming decades.

The 14th National Party Congress also emphasized the goal of developing Vietnam's foreign relations in the new era in a manner commensurate with the country's historical and cultural stature and position, with a desire to join hands with all international friends in promoting peace, stability, cooperation and development in the region and around the world.

Regarding Vietnam-Thailand relations, Ambassador Pham Viet Hung emphasized that the past 50 years have witnessed the most dynamic development in bilateral ties, elevating relations between the two countries to their highest and most prosperous level in history.

The two countries have developed a high degree of mutual strategic understanding and trust, as demonstrated by reciprocal visits by their senior leaders in May and June.

Quoting the Thai proverb “Water relies on boats, tigers rely on forests,” Ambassador Pham Viet Hung said that the more complicated the international and regional situation becomes, the more the two countries need reliable friends, neighbors and partners. He expressed his firm belief that Vietnam and Thailand will remain reliable friends, good neighbors and trusted partners of each other.

Representing the Royal Thai Government, Deputy Foreign Minister Vijavat Isarabhakdi delivered remarks highlighting the 50-year development of Vietnam-Thailand relations, the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and future cooperation.

Deputy Minister Vijavat affirmed that the relationship between the two countries is no longer measured solely by what their governments do, but is increasingly reflected in people's daily lives - in the businesses they build together, the trips they take, and the friendships and relationships they establish.

He also said the active participation of the private sector in business forums held during recent high-level visits was highly encouraging. It demonstrated strong interest from businesses in both Thailand and Vietnam in seeking new opportunities, expanding trade and investment, and building partnerships for the future.

Therefore, as the two countries look toward the next 50 years, they should continue to build on this momentum, bringing their people and economies even closer together and creating more opportunities for businesses and communities to cooperate.

Ambassador Pham Viet Hung and his wife Ho Thi Thu Trang pose for a commemorative photo with Vietnamese women living in Thailand. (Photo: Do Sinh/VNA)

The celebration took place in a distinctive cultural setting featuring four highlights: the “Melodies of Companionship” artistic performance, a Hue Royal Cuisine presentation, the “Partnership Journey” photo exhibition and the “Colors of Friendship” painting exhibition.

The special traditional music program “Melodies of Companionship,” performed by artists from the Ho Chi Minh City Conservatory of Music, featured various forms of Vietnamese traditional music, including Hue royal court music, Quan Ho folk songs from Bac Ninh and Southern folk music.

The cultural exchange was further highlighted by Thai musical pieces, including “Ngu Hanh Ceremony” and “Sabai Sabai,” performed by a Vietnamese traditional orchestra, creating a shared artistic space and celebrating cultural similarities between the two peoples.

The Hue Royal Cuisine presentation introduced distinguished guests to Hue's culinary heritage through artistic creations including Dragon Spitting Pearls, Nem Cong and Banh Co Do. The dishes demonstrated the sophistication and symbolic significance of Hue royal cuisine while conveying wishes for prosperity and enduring friendship between Vietnam and Thailand.

The “Partnership Journey” photo exhibition displayed 40 photographs captured by Vietnam News Agency photojournalists over five decades of Vietnam-Thailand diplomatic relations, from the establishment of diplomatic ties in August 1976 to major milestones and important exchange activities.

Meanwhile, the “Colors of Friendship” painting exhibition featured works by Vietnamese artist Nguyen Hong Tuan, depicting landscapes, people and everyday life in both countries while highlighting shared values of beauty, peace and connection.

The programs offered guests an opportunity to experience Vietnam's rich cultural heritage while highlighting the cultural bonds and friendship between the people of Vietnam and Thailand.

People-to-People Exchanges Bring Thailand-Vietnam Relations Closer

Vietnam - Thailand Friendship Rooted in History, Culture and People-to-People Ties