Thai King and Queen begin Vietnam state visit to mark 50 years of ties

Their Majesties King Maha Vajiralongkorn and Queen Suthida arrived in Hanoi on Monday (September 14, 2026), beginning a three-day state visit to the Socialist Republic of Vietnam to celebrate the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Thailand and Vietnam.

The royal aircraft arrived at Noi Bai International Airport at 4.17pm local time, which is the same as Thailand time. His Majesty personally piloted the aircraft on the journey.

The visit, running from September 14-16, is taking place at the invitation of To Lam, general secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam and president of Vietnam, with the aim of further strengthening friendship and cooperation between the two countries.

Vietnamese and Thai officials welcome Their Majesties

At the airport, Le Cong Dung, director-general of the Vietnamese Foreign Ministry’s Directorate of State Protocol and Interpretation, introduced the senior Vietnamese officials assembled to welcome Their Majesties.

They included Le Khanh Hai, chairman of the Presidential Office, serving as Vietnam’s minister-in-attendance; Vu Dai Thang, chairman of the Hanoi People’s Committee; Dang Hoang Giang, deputy foreign minister; and Pham Viet Hung, Vietnamese ambassador to Thailand, together with other senior officials.

The Thai reception party included Urawadee Sriphiromya, ambassador to Vietnam, and Wiraka Moodhitaporn, consul-general in Ho Chi Minh City.

Also present were the Royal Thai Embassy’s military attachés: Col Natthasit Mongkhontham, army attaché; Capt Itsara Itsarayangyuen, naval attaché; and Gp Capt Warit Ramkomut, air attaché.

Their Majesties walked past a guard of honour before boarding the royal car for Fairmont Hanoi, which the Vietnamese government has arranged as their accommodation during the visit. The hotel is approximately 28 kilometres from the airport, a journey of around 30 minutes.

Five decades of friendship and cooperation

Thailand and Vietnam established diplomatic relations on August 6, 1976, and have maintained close exchanges and engagement over the past 50 years.

The two countries have since elevated their relationship to a comprehensive strategic partnership, reflecting the importance each attaches to the other.

Their cooperation extends beyond trade to encompass politics, security, the economy, society, culture and international affairs, with the aim of delivering mutual benefits in the years ahead.

Hanoi’s historical and cultural significance

Hanoi’s role as the capital of modern Vietnam dates to September 2, 1945, when Ho Chi Minh proclaimed the country’s independence. The city’s history as a political, administrative and cultural centre stretches back to 1010, when it was known as Thang Long, meaning “Soaring Dragon”.

In 1831, the city was renamed Hanoi following its incorporation with neighbouring areas. The name means “surrounded by rivers”, reflecting its location on the Red River plain and among several tributaries.

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) recognised Hanoi as a City for Peace in 1999.

Hanoi’s population is at approximately 8.8 million, compared with around 102.3 million nationwide. About 1,700 Thai nationals live in Vietnam, while approximately 100,000 Vietnamese live in Thailand.

Thai community welcomes royal couple at hotel

Their Majesties arrived at Fairmont Hanoi at 5.18pm.

The reception party included Saranya Paleewongse, minister at the Royal Thai Embassy in Hanoi, embassy officials, heads of Team Thailand offices in Vietnam and their spouses, and members of the Thai community.

Jean-François Brun, general manager of Fairmont Hanoi, and hotel staff also welcomed Their Majesties.

Wreath-laying and official welcome on September 15

On Tuesday (September 15), Their Majesties are scheduled to lay wreaths at the Bac Son Martyrs’ Monument and the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum before attending the official welcoming ceremony.

They will meet To Lam and his wife, alongside other dignitaries, before attending a state banquet and viewing a Vietnamese cultural performance at Ngoc Son Temple.