They were accompanied by Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul; Le Khanh Hai, Chairman of the Office of the Vietnamese President; Vietnamese Ambassador to Thailand Pham Viet Hung; and Thai Ambassador to Vietnam Urawadee Sriphiromya.

As the King and Queen entered through the pagoda's three-entrance gate, they were warmly welcomed by Buddhist monks and followers.

Inside the tranquil temple, King Maha Vajiralongkorn and Queen Suthida entered the main hall to pay homage to the Buddha.

After the royal couple offered candles and flowers, monks and Buddhist followers chanted prayers for their peace and well-being and for the continued development of relations between Thailand and Vietnam.

The prayer ceremony during the visit reflected the socially engaged tradition of Vietnamese Buddhism and the two countries' shared commitment to promoting peace, cooperation and prosperity.

Quan Su Pagoda serves as an important center of the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha and is a workplace for senior monks of its Central Executive Council.

The pagoda has previously welcomed foreign dignitaries including the King of Cambodia and the Prime Minister of India.

Buddhism has a long history in Thailand, with its influence deeply embedded in the country's cultural and religious life.

During their visit, the King and Queen also spoke with senior leaders of the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha and wished them good health and peace.

Earlier Wednesday, King Maha Vajiralongkorn, Queen Suthida and the Thai royal delegation visited the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum to pay respects to Vietnam's late president.

They also laid a wreath at the Monument to Heroes and Martyrs on Bac Son Street in Hanoi.

During meetings held as part of the state visit, Vietnam's senior leaders thanked the King and Thailand's royal family for their warm sentiments toward Vietnam, particularly their attention to the Vietnamese community in Thailand and the preservation of sites associated with President Ho Chi Minh.

The sites are regarded as historically significant symbols of cultural exchange and friendship between the peoples of the two countries.

The year 2026 marks a significant milestone in Vietnam-Thailand relations as the two countries celebrate 50 years of diplomatic ties.

Over the past half-century, the legacy of President Ho Chi Minh has been regarded as an important historical and human connection that has helped nurture friendship between the two peoples.

Tran Thuong-Pham Hai