Hanoi (VNA) – A bilingual Vietnamese-Thai book titled “Bac Ho o Thai Lan” (Uncle Ho in Thailand) was introduced in Thailand on May 18 on the occasion of the 135th birth anniversary of President Ho Chi Minh (May 19 – 1890-2025).
The launching ceremony was jointly held by the Vietnam Education Publishing House in collaboration with the Vietnamese Consulate General in Khon Kaen.
This cultural and diplomatic event held profound significance as it honours the life and revolutionary career of President Ho Chi Minh while strengthening the longstanding friendship between Vietnamese and Thai peoples.
At the event, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Van Tung, Member of the Board of Members and Deputy Editor-in-Chief of the Vietnam Education Publishing House, emphasised that the book is a meticulous compilation of valuable historical documents. It also contains moving, authentic stories from the period when President Ho Chi Minh was actively engaged in revolutionary activities in Thailand during 1928–1929. Although his stay in Thailand lasted just over a year, this period marked a crucial chapter in his journey toward seeking national liberation.
Under the alias Thau Chin, Nguyen Ai Quoc arrived in Siam (now Thailand) in July 1928 and quickly integrated into the lives of the Vietnamese expatriate community. There, he directly built and strengthened revolutionary bases, preparing politically, ideologically, and organisationally for the establishment of a proletarian party in Vietnam.
From small Vietnamese villages in the provinces of Udon Thani, Sakon Nakhon, Nakhon Phanom, and Phichit, the figure of “Mr. Chin (Thau Chin)” became familiar and beloved by the community. He ignited and fostered a strong sense of patriotism and national solidarity among the overseas Vietnamese, laying a firm foundation for the patriotic movement of the Vietnamese diaspora in Thailand.
Despite working under extremely difficult conditions, constantly monitored and pursued by hostile forces, thanks to the love, protection, and support from the Vietnamese community and the Thai people, President Ho Chi Minh was kept safe to continue his noble revolutionary mission.
The book vividly recounts stories of his simplicity, closeness, boundless compassion, and profound intellect during this period. These facets of his character were deeply imprinted in the hearts and minds of generations of Vietnamese people living in Thailand. These stories remain sacred memories and precious lessons, brought to life in the pages of “Uncle Ho in Thailand.”
Assoc Prof Dr Tung stated that for the Vietnam Education Publishing House — a prestigious institution with a rich tradition of publishing textbooks, educational materials, and cultural publications, the release and introduction of this book is not only a political mission but also a source of pride and great responsibility.
This publication will play an important role in educating Vietnamese people, especially the younger generations living, studying, and working in Thailand, about the ideology, ethics, and lifestyle of President Ho Chi Minh. It will help them better understand their roots, their nation’s patriotic traditions, and inspire them to follow Uncle Ho’s shining example.
Beyond its deep educational significance for the Vietnamese community, the bilingual Vietnamese-Thai book “Uncle Ho in Thailand” stands as a living testimony to the warm and traditional friendship between Vietnam and Thailand. During his time in Thailand, President Ho Chi Minh sowed seeds of goodwill, fostering understanding and closeness between the two peoples. The affection and support extended by the Thai people to President Ho Chi Minh and the Vietnamese patriots during those challenging years exemplify the pure and noble spirit of international solidarity.
Today, the comprehensive friendship and cooperation between Vietnam and Thailand are growing stronger across politics, economy, culture, and people-to-people exchanges. The release of “Uncle Ho in Thailand” in this context carries even greater meaning, contributing to deepening mutual understanding and reinforcing the humanitarian foundation of the excellent bilateral relations between the two countries.
This book also affirms the vital role of the overseas Vietnamese community as cultural ambassadors and bridges that connect Vietnam with other nations worldwide, including Thailand./.
