On 9 November 2021, Mr. Thani Thongpakdi, Permanent Secretary for Foreign Affairs of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, together with Mr. Sanan Angubolkul, President of Thailand – Vietnam Association for Friendship, presided over the handover ceremony of medical equipment and supplies for the treatment of COVID-19 patients in Vietnam to H.E. Mr. Phan Chi Thanh, Ambassador of Vietnam to Thailand, at Buakaew Room, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Thailand.

The Thai side, led by the Thailand – Vietnam Friendship Association, mobilised necessary medical equipment and supplies of approximately THB 2.5 million in value from both the public and private sectors of Thailand to support Vietnam’s fight against COVID-19. The said medical equipment and supplies consist of N95 surgical marks, infusion pumps, emergency rescue beds, oxygen systems and mobile x-ray scanners.

The objective of this contribution is to support the capacity of Vietnam’s healthcare system and foster cooperation between Thailand and Vietnam in controlling the spread of COVID-19. It is also a part of the activities marking the 45th anniversary of Thailand – Vietnam diplomatic relations this year, and a reflection of the close friendship between two neighbouring countries who always support each other in time of need.

Since the outbreak of the new wave of COVID-19 in Vietnam earlier this year, the Royal Thai Embassy in Ha Noi and the Consulate – General in Ho Chi Minh City, in cooperation with the Thai private sectors in Vietnam, have provided support to Vietnam’s efforts to mitigate the effects caused by the pandemic, including through financial contribution to Vietnam’s Vaccine Fund and provision of medical supplies to Vietnam’s local authorities.