On 9 April 2014, H.E. Mr. Panyarak Poolthup, Ambassador of Thailand to Vietnam, paid a courtesy call on H.E. General Phung Quang Thanh, Minister of Defence of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, at the Ministry of Defence to introduce himself as a newly appointed Ambassador of Thailand to Vietnam.  

     H.E. General Phung Quang Thanh congratulated H.E. Mr. Panyarak Poolthup on his appointment and for the elevation of the bilateral relations to the level of ‘Strategic Partnership’. The Minister praised the close bilateral and multilateral cooperation between the Ministries of Defence of both countries especially in the practical cooperation like the joint patrol by the Thai and Vietnamese Navies. The Minister expressed his wishes that the political situation in Thailand would soon return to normalcy so that the bilateral relations could be further advanced. He also recognized the constructive role of Thailand as the country coordinator for ASEAN-China relations, particularly in advancing the Code of Conduct in the South China Sea. The Minister also expressed his gratitude for the Thai Government’s policy in providing well-being for the Thai people with Vietnamese descent living in Thailand. 

     H.E. Mr. Panyarak Poolthup, in turn, pledged to fully cooperate with the Vietnamese Government to foster Strategic Partnership. The Ambassador expressed his gratitude for the Minister’s best wishes for the political situation in Thailand to soon return to normalcy, nevertheless, he opined that the practical cooperation between Vietnam and Thailand is still ongoing including the joint patrol between the Navies of both countries scheduled to be held in April this year. The Ambassador commended the excellent cooperation between the Ministries of Defence especially in high-ranking visits and training. The Ambassador reaffirmed that Thailand stands ready to further intensify defence cooperation with Vietnam on the basis of the Agreement on Defence Cooperation and Thailand-Vietnam Security Outlook (TVSO). He also spoke highly of the hotline communication between the two Navies. The Ambassador also reassured that Thailand would do its utmost as the country coordinator for ASEAN-China relations to advance the Code of Conduct in the South China Sea. He also pledged to fully cooperate with Vietnam for the hosting of the ASEAN Army Chiefs Meeting and ASEAN Navy Chiefs Meeting in Vietnam this year.