Thailand is ready and determined to be Vietnam’s partner in all fields and at all levels, affirmed a Thai diplomat.

Thai Consul General to Ho Chi Minh City Somchai Powcharoen made the affirmation at a ceremony to celebrate the 82nd birthday of the Thai King Bhumibol Adulyadej in HCM City on Dec. 4.

Addressing the ceremony, Somchai Powcharoen and President of the Vietnam-Thailand Friendship Association Thai Truong Hoang conveyed their respects to the Thai King, who received the award “Global Leader” from the World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO). The King also initiated over 3,000 projects in irrigation, health care and education benefiting the Thai people.

They also stressed that economic and cultural achievements between Vietnam and Thailand were significant to the development of each side at present and in the future.

Thailand ranks third among ASEAN members and ninth among 84 foreign investors in Vietnam with 198 projects valued at 5.7 billion USD.

Thailand and Vietnam have several effective cooperation mechanisms such as rice exports, using the East-West corridor land route, the Greater Mekong sub-region and cooperation within the framework of ASEAN.

On this occasion, Somchai Powcharoen presented 55.5 million VND raised at a party to celebrate the Thai King’s birthday, to the city’s Vietnam-Thailand Friendship Association to organise social activities in Vietnam./.