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In an interview with VietnamTimes Magazine, Dr. Thanyathip Sripana noted that Vietnam is a country rising within the group of middle-income nations, playing an increasingly prominent role in the international community, particularly within ASEAN and the United Nations. Its geostrategic position, economic potential, and the depth and richness of its culture have contributed to enhancing Vietnam’s role and importance at both regional and global levels.

Vietnam is a member of the United Nations (UN) and has served as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council and the Human Rights Council; it has also participated in UN peacekeeping operations as a troop- and police-contributing country. Within ASEAN, Vietnam plays a proactive role, contributing to strengthening internal cohesion, maintaining regional stability, and enhancing ASEAN’s role in dialogue and cooperation with global partners; at the same time, it is an active member of APEC.

Dr. Thanyathip Sripana, Vietnam studies scholar at Chulalongkorn University (Thailand). (Photo: KT)

In terms of international relations, Vietnam steadfastly pursues an independent and self-reliant foreign policy of multilateralization and diversification, while remaining proactive and flexible in managing relations with partners, especially major powers, amid intensifying regional competition…

In multilateral forums, Vietnam has clearly demonstrated its role and responsibility, participating in addressing international issues and contributing to peace, stability, cooperation, and development in the region and the world. Economically, Vietnam is currently among the fastest-growing economies in ASEAN.

She expressed her agreement with the viewpoint emphasizing the role of diplomacy in implementing the four “pillar” resolutions of the Politburo on institutions, science and technology, private sector development, and international integration. In particular, Resolution No. 59-NQ/TW is assessed by her as a breakthrough in integration thinking, creating momentum for Vietnam to enter a new stage of development.

In the field of international economic integration and economic diplomacy, Vietnam has established economic and trade relations with more than 230 countries and territories; signed and implemented 17 free trade agreements (FTAs), while continuing to promote negotiations with other partners. Economic diplomacy has contributed to placing Vietnam among the world’s 32 largest economies by GDP, within the top 20 countries in terms of trade value, and among the leading destinations for foreign investment.

According to Dr. Thanyathip Sripana, today, Vietnam is viewed as a country rising strongly, a successful model of socio-economic development, with an increasingly influential role and voice on the international stage.

After 40 years of Doi Moi (Renewal), Vietnam has achieved many significant accomplishments thanks to an effective process of economic reform. Favorable conditions include a stable political, social, and macroeconomic environment; an increasingly complete legal system; effective state governance; gradually developing infrastructure and technology; and abundant natural resources and human capital, with competitive labor costs, despite some remaining limitations in the synchronization of infrastructure in certain sectors.

These factors, together with political stability and anti-corruption policies, have helped strengthen confidence and enhance Vietnam’s attractiveness and credibility in the eyes of foreign investors and the international community.

Notable achievements in foreign affairs have also contributed to elevating Vietnam’s position on the international stage. Vietnam now maintains diplomatic relations with 194 countries; has established strategic partnerships or comprehensive partnerships with 38 countries, including all permanent members of the UN Security Council, the G7 countries, and most G20 members; and is an active member of more than 70 international organizations.

Multilateral diplomacy has helped transform Vietnam from a once-isolated country into an active and responsible member of the international community. Economic diplomacy and international integration have become important driving forces for socio-economic development, while cultural diplomacy has been implemented in an increasingly comprehensive and effective manner…

Dr. Thanyathip Sripana believes that determination, perseverance, a spirit of solidarity, patriotism, adaptability, and the serious implementation of the Party’s guidelines and policies have laid the foundation for Vietnam’s successes. “Vietnam’s success is a model well worth learning from for many countries, not only in Southeast Asia but also beyond the region,” she emphasized.

With more than 30 years of research on Vietnam and Thailand-Vietnam relations, and through frequent field studies and work in Vietnam since 1992, Dr. Thanyathip Sripana said she has clearly witnessed the changes, progress, and efforts made by Vietnam to overcome limitations and further refine its development model.

She expressed her confidence that Vietnam will become one of ASEAN’s key pillars across many fields, and voiced her hope that the friendship and cooperation between the peoples of Thailand and Vietnam, especially people-to-people relations and cultural cooperation, which form an important foundation of bilateral ties, will continue to be preserved and sustainably developed as historical values to be passed on to future generations.

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