Thailand and Vietnam Strengthen Defense Cooperation Amid Regional Security Challenges
Sixth Defense Policy Dialogue highlights collaboration on maritime security, cyber resilience, and transnational crime
Thailand and Vietnam held their sixth Defense Policy Dialogue in Bangkok in March 2025, reinforcing a strategic relationship that has evolved from Cold War-era tensions to cooperative security efforts.
The summit was co-chaired by Gen. Sanitchanog Sangkachantra, Thailand’s permanent defense secretary, and Senior Lt. Gen. Hoang Xuan Chien, Vietnam’s deputy defense minister.
Discussions focused on shared concerns such as maritime security, cyber threats, transnational crime, and external military activities in Southeast Asia.
Both nations emphasized the role of defense cooperation in promoting regional stability and reaffirmed support for the Association of Southeast Asian Nations.
Security in the South China Sea was a key topic, with both sides advocating for freedom of navigation and adherence to international law, particularly the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea 1982. Vietnam called for the development of a substantial and effective Code of Conduct in the East Sea.
Thailand and Vietnam have strengthened maritime cooperation through agreements signed in September 2024 between Thailand’s Maritime Enforcement Command Centre and the Vietnam Coast Guard.
These agreements cover joint patrols, intelligence sharing, and search and rescue operations.
In April 2025, the two countries’ navies completed their fifty-first annual joint maritime patrol.
Both nations are also addressing cyber threats by participating in ASEAN-led initiatives to enhance cyber resilience and protect sensitive defense systems.
Cooperation in countering transnational crime, including human trafficking, illegal immigration, and cross-border terrorism, has been expanded through information-sharing initiatives and collaboration with Interpol.
Vietnam's Deputy Defense Minister highlighted his country’s commitment to an independent, self-reliant, peaceful, and cooperative foreign policy.
The summit further agreed to expand defense education programs, increase officer exchanges, and strengthen collaboration among military branches.
In March 2025, Thai Defence Minister Phumtham Wechayachai also reaffirmed Bangkok’s commitment to boosting cooperation with Vietnam in areas including cybersecurity and cross-border crime.
The summit was co-chaired by Gen. Sanitchanog Sangkachantra, Thailand’s permanent defense secretary, and Senior Lt. Gen. Hoang Xuan Chien, Vietnam’s deputy defense minister.
Discussions focused on shared concerns such as maritime security, cyber threats, transnational crime, and external military activities in Southeast Asia.
Both nations emphasized the role of defense cooperation in promoting regional stability and reaffirmed support for the Association of Southeast Asian Nations.
Security in the South China Sea was a key topic, with both sides advocating for freedom of navigation and adherence to international law, particularly the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea 1982. Vietnam called for the development of a substantial and effective Code of Conduct in the East Sea.
Thailand and Vietnam have strengthened maritime cooperation through agreements signed in September 2024 between Thailand’s Maritime Enforcement Command Centre and the Vietnam Coast Guard.
These agreements cover joint patrols, intelligence sharing, and search and rescue operations.
In April 2025, the two countries’ navies completed their fifty-first annual joint maritime patrol.
Both nations are also addressing cyber threats by participating in ASEAN-led initiatives to enhance cyber resilience and protect sensitive defense systems.
Cooperation in countering transnational crime, including human trafficking, illegal immigration, and cross-border terrorism, has been expanded through information-sharing initiatives and collaboration with Interpol.
Vietnam's Deputy Defense Minister highlighted his country’s commitment to an independent, self-reliant, peaceful, and cooperative foreign policy.
The summit further agreed to expand defense education programs, increase officer exchanges, and strengthen collaboration among military branches.
In March 2025, Thai Defence Minister Phumtham Wechayachai also reaffirmed Bangkok’s commitment to boosting cooperation with Vietnam in areas including cybersecurity and cross-border crime.
