Hanoi: The defense ministries of Thailand and Vietnam are continuing their security strategy and enhancing cooperation in maritime and cyber areas. Thai and Vietnamese defense ministries continue to build strategic trust and advance security for their people.
According to Thai News Agency, Ms. Ratchada Thanadirek, Spokesperson for the Prime Minister's Office, revealed that during the Prime Minister and his delegation's official visit to the Socialist Republic of Vietnam from June 8-9, 2026, in addition to leadership discussions to determine the direction of cooperation under the comprehensive strategic partnership between Thailand and Vietnam, the security sectors of both countries will also use this opportunity to advance cooperation in defense and security matters to enhance stability, safety, and the well-being of the people of both countries.
Ms. Rachada stated that Lieutenant General Adul Boonthamcharoen, Minister of Defence of Thailand, along with a delegation of high-ranking Thai security officials including the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Defence, the Chief of Defence Forces, the Commander-in-Chief of the Army, the Commander-in-Chief of the Navy, and the Commander-in-Chief of the Air Force, held bilateral discussions with General Phan Van Giang, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence of Vietnam, on June 8th at the reception room of the Vietnamese Ministry of Defence in Hanoi.
The discussions reflected the close cooperation between Thailand and Vietnam at all levels, from leadership and policy to the military, to promote tangible results in security cooperation and support economic development and the quality of life of the people. Key issues discussed included:
1. Enhancing defense cooperation. Both sides welcomed the continuous progress in cooperation between the Royal Thai Armed Forces and the Vietnam People's Army, including exchanges of visits, education, training, intelligence sharing, and inter-branch cooperation, especially maritime cooperation, which plays a crucial role in maritime security, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, as well as the prevention and suppression of transnational crime.
2. Cooperation in addressing emerging threats. The discussions also covered emerging security issues such as cybersecurity, defense industry development, military technology research and development, and the exchange of knowledge on innovation. Both sides are ready to consider expanding cooperation to enhance the capabilities and readiness of their armed forces to deal with new threats in the future.
3. Promoting the 2+2 mechanism and regional cooperation. Thailand reaffirmed its readiness to support a 2+2 meeting between the Ministers of Foreign Affairs and the Minister of Defence of both countries, reflecting the comprehensive strategic partnership and strengthening security cooperation mechanisms. Furthermore, Thailand invited Vietnam to participate in the ASEAN-ROK Defence Industry Cooperation Conference and THAIDEF-EX 2026, which Thailand will host in July, to further promote regional cooperation in the defense industry.
'This meeting between the Ministers of Defence and the Chiefs of the Armed Forces of both countries is another important mechanism that runs parallel to the leaders' discussions. It reflects the shared commitment of Thailand and Vietnam to strengthen strategic trust, enhance cooperation in all dimensions of security, and jointly build stability, peace, and sustainable prosperity for the ASEAN region,' Ms. Rachada said.