PM takes off for Vietnam

Anutin set to attend Asean Future Forum

PUBLISHED : 8 Jun 2026 at 04:35

Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul will lead a high-level Thai delegation on an official visit to Vietnam on Monday, where he will attend the 3rd Asean Future Forum (AFF) and hold talks aimed at expanding political, economic and security cooperation between the two countries.

Government spokeswoman Rachada Dhnadirek said on Sunday the June 8–9 visit follows the recent trip to Thailand by To Lam, general secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam and president of Vietnam, during which both sides agreed to elevate relations to a comprehensive strategic partnership.

The Thai delegation includes several key cabinet ministers, such as Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow, Finance Minister Ekniti Nitithanprapas and Commerce Minister Suphajee Suthumpun, along with senior officials, military commanders and representatives from more than 10 Thai companies investing in Vietnam.

Ms Rachada said Mr Anutin would meet Vietnam's president, prime minister and National Assembly chairman, as well as Thai business leaders operating in Vietnam. The discussions will focus on translating strong political ties into concrete economic cooperation projects.

On June 8, the prime minister will hold bilateral talks with senior Vietnamese leaders in Hanoi, meet Thai investors, and attend a welcoming ceremony and delegation talks at the Vietnamese Government Office, followed by an official dinner hosted by the Vietnamese prime minister.

On June 9, Mr Anutin will attend the opening session of the AFF at the Melia Hanoi hotel. This year's forum, themed "Shaping our Future Together: Peace, Prosperity, People-Centred", will focus on strengthening Asean's role in addressing global challenges and promoting regional cooperation.

Leaders from Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, Thailand and Timor-Leste are expected to attend, along with policymakers, business leaders and academics.

Ms Rachada said this will be the first time a Thai prime minister has attended the forum in person, reflecting Thailand's commitment to Asean engagement and its ties with Vietnam.

Mr Anutin will also participate in the Thailand–Vietnam Investment and Business Forum organised by the Board of Investment (BOI) before returning to Thailand on the evening of June 9.

The visit comes less than two weeks after the two countries marked the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations by signing four cooperation agreements and pledging to elevate ties to a comprehensive strategic partnership, including a 2026–2031 action plan, cooperation in science and innovation, development of an aircraft MRO centre at U-Tapao airport.