Thailand’s King Maha Vajiralongkorn and Queen Suthida visited Hanoi University on the afternoon of September 16 as part of their state visit to Vietnam, meeting the university’s leaders, lecturers, staff and students. The three-day royal visit coincided with the 50th anniversary of Vietnam-Thailand diplomatic relations.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Van Trao, rector of Hanoi University, said the university was honored to welcome the King and Queen, describing the visit as a source of encouragement for its lecturers, staff and students.

The visit came as Vietnam and Thailand celebrate 50 years of diplomatic relations.

After half a century of growing ties, the two countries elevated their relationship to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in 2025, opening a new chapter of longer-term cooperation.

At Hanoi University, Vietnam-Thailand ties are reflected in Thai language education, cultural exchanges and student exchange programmes.

The university established its Thai Language and Culture Center in 2009.

Since then, more than 1,000 students have studied Thai as a second foreign language, nearly 200 have participated in short-term Thai language programmes and almost 150 students have had opportunities to study or take part in exchange programmes in Thailand.

The Thai Cultural Space at Hanoi University is another feature of educational and cultural cooperation between the two countries.

Renovated and expanded in 2018 with support from the Thai Embassy in Hanoi, the space allows Vietnamese students to explore and experience Thai culture through language, arts and interactive activities.

Hanoi University maintains partnerships with nearly 20 Thai higher education institutions, including Chulalongkorn University, Assumption University and Mahasarakham University.

The partnerships cover lecturer and student exchanges, short-term training programmes, experiential learning and internships.

More than 500 Thai students and over 300 trainees from Thailand’s Devawongse Varopakarn Institute of Foreign Affairs have also studied, completed internships or experienced Vietnamese culture at Hanoi University.

University leaders said the institution would continue building on its strengths in foreign-language education, international education, cultural exchange and academic cooperation.

The university also aims to create more opportunities for students from both countries to study, gain experience and learn from one another, contributing to Vietnam-Thailand friendship among younger generations.

During the visit, King Maha Vajiralongkorn and Queen Suthida attended and experienced a Thai language class alongside Vietnamese students.

They also viewed a display of traditional Thai products presented by students and donated educational materials and teaching equipment to the Thai Language and Culture Center.

The King and Queen, accompanied by the Thai royal delegation, departed Vietnam later on September 16, concluding their state visit from September 14-16. The visit was made at the invitation of General Secretary and President To Lam and his spouse.

Tran Thuong – Pham Hai