On September 16, 2026, King Maha Vajiralongkorn and Queen Suthida Bajrasudhabimalalakshana concluded an official visit to the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, according to official reports. The visit, which took place between September 14 and 16, 2026, was made at the official invitation of To Lam, General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam and President of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam.
Visit to Hanoi University Thai Cultural Centre
At 15.26 local time on September 16, 2026, Their Majesties traveled by royal motorcar from the Fairmont Hanoi hotel to the Thai Cultural Centre at Hanoi University, as reported by official sources. Associate Professor Dr. Nguyen Van Trao, President of Hanoi University, greeted the King and Queen upon their arrival. The royal couple then entered the main auditorium, where the university president delivered a briefing on the institution’s operations and the history of the Thai Cultural Centre.
During the visit, university students performed traditional Thai arts and culture. A student representative from the Thai language department delivered a congratulatory address in Thai, followed by a royal tour of Building B to observe classroom instruction and student demonstrations of Thai handicrafts, including umbrella painting, tung-making, flower garland weaving, and krathong crafting.
Did You Know? The Thai Cultural Centre at Hanoi University was established on February 6, 2009, under a project by the Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ Department of International Cooperation, and has taught Thai as a minor subject alongside intensive short courses for the public.
Educational Support and Official Departure
Following the classroom observations, King Maha Vajiralongkorn and Queen Suthida presented educational and cultural materials to the university president. The donated supplies included computers, sound systems, smart interactive boards, books on the Thai language and culture, records of royal duties, and traditional arts equipment, according to verified reports.
At 16.25 local time, Their Majesties arrived at Noi Bai International Airport for their departure. Le Khanh Hai, Head of the Presidential Office serving as the honorary Vietnamese minister, and Vu Dai Thang, Chairman of the Hanoi People’s Committee, participated in the send-off ceremony. After walking past a guard of honor and delegations from both nations, Their Majesties boarded the royal aircraft to return to Thailand.
Expert Insight: This high-level official visit marks a milestone in the diplomatic ties between Thailand and Vietnam, which established official diplomatic relations on August 6, 1976. By focusing educational exchanges at institutions like Hanoi University during the 50th-anniversary milestone year, both nations underscore the enduring cultural and historical bonds shared across Southeast Asia.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did the official visit take place?
The official visit took place from September 14 to 16, 2026, at the invitation of Vietnamese President To Lam.
What was the main purpose of the royal visit to Hanoi University?
Their Majesties toured the Thai Cultural Centre to observe language instruction, student craft demonstrations, and cultural performances, while presenting educational and cultural media to the university.
How long have diplomatic relations existed between Thailand and Vietnam?
Thailand and the Socialist Republic of Vietnam established diplomatic relations on August 6, 1976, marking nearly five decades of bilateral ties.
How might continued educational exchanges between Thai institutions and Vietnamese universities shape bilateral relations in the coming years?
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