Prime Minister Prayut had a telephone conversation with H.E. Nguyen Xuan Phuc, Prime Minister of Vietnam, ahead of the 37th ASEAN Summit and Related Summits, to discuss ways to enhance bilateral relations in the post-COVID-19 context, particularly cooperation in connecting bilateral supply chain and sub-regional connectivity, cooperation in e-commerce and digital sectors, commemoration of the 45th anniversary of Thailand – Vietnam diplomatic relations in 2021, as well as close coordination in ASEAN.

On 6 November 2020, H.E. General Prayut Chan-o-cha, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Thailand, had a telephone conversation with H.E. Mr. Nguyen Xuan Phuc, Prime Minister of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam. Prime Minister Prayut expressed his condolences on the loss of lives and properties caused by severe floods and landslide in the central part of Vietnam. The Royal Thai Government has provided a financial aid of 30,000 USD to Vietnam for the disaster relief efforts.

Both prime ministers reaffirmed their commitment to further advancing the Strengthened Strategic Partnership between Thailand and Vietnam in all dimensions. They looked forward to the convening of the 4th Joint Cabinet Retreat in 2021, when the COVID-19 situation improves, as part of the celebration of the 45th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two sides.

They also discussed economic cooperation to mitigate the economic and social impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, including the elimination of unnecessary trade impediments, cooperation in e-commerce and digital sectors, as well as the setting up of informal consultation mechanism to facilitate and promote investment in both Thailand and Vietnam.

On sub-regional and regional issues, the two prime ministers exchanged views on how to enhance cooperation on connectivity and Mekong water resources management, as well as on cooperation in ASEAN, including the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (RCEP). In this regard, the Thai Prime Minister congratulated Vietnam for its role as ASEAN Chair and expressed his readiness to attend the 37th ASEAN Summit and Related Summits that Vietnam will chair next week.