Bangkok (VNA) – The Association of Vietnamese in Thailand held its 2026–2028 congress in Udon Thani province on January 11 to elect a new executive board to lead community affairs in the country over the next three years.
According to a report presented at the congress, the 2021–2025 term faced numerous challenges, particularly the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite this, the association played a pivotal role in connecting the community and safeguarding their legitimate interests, while promoting solidarity and mutual support.
During the past term, the association consolidated its local chapters, especially in northeastern Thailand, attracted more young entrepreneurs and intellectuals, expanded Vietnamese language classes for third- and fourth-generation Vietnamese, and coordinated efforts to preserve President Ho Chi Minh relic sites in Thailand.
It also worked closely with Vietnamese representative missions and local authorities to assist overseas Vietnamese with legal matters and livelihoods, while mobilising substantial contributions to Vietnam’s vaccine fund and disaster relief efforts.
Addressing the congress, Ambassador to Thailand Pham Viet Hung expressed confidence that the new executive board would continue to represent the aspirations of the community, foster unity and sustainable development, preserve Vietnamese cultural identity, and contribute to strengthening the friendship between Vietnam and Thailand.
Consul General Dinh Hoang Linh noted that the successful congress carried special significance in celebration of the upcoming 14th National Party Congress.
With the motto “Solidarity – Innovation – Strength – Toward the Roots”, the congress elected Ho Van Lam, an overseas Vietnamese in Udon Thani, as president of the association for the 2026–2028 term.
The new leadership sets priorities including reinforcing the association’s role as a bridge between the Vietnamese community, host authorities and the homeland, strengthening internal unity, and further promoting Vietnamese language education.
Established in July 2012 under the Thai Government approval, the Association of Vietnamese in Thailand currently has 26 local chapters and a women’s committee, and has played an active role in preserving cultural identity, supporting community development, and fostering people-to-people ties between Vietnam and Thailand./.
