HO CHI MINH CITY VIETNAM – ASEAN FRIENDSHIP ASSOCIATION AND THE FACULTY OF ORIENTAL STUDIES PAY TRIBUTE TO THAI PRINCESS BAJRAKITIYABHA
On June 17, 2026, a delegation from the Ho Chi Minh City Vietnam – ASEAN Friendship Association (VAFA HCMC) and the Faculty of Oriental Studies, University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Viet Nam National University Ho Chi Minh City visited, signed the condolence book, and expressed deep sorrow over the passing of Princess Bajrakitiyabha Narendiradebyavati Kromluangrajasarinisiribajra Mahavajrarajadhita at the Royal Thai Consulate General in Ho Chi Minh City.
The delegation was led by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Phan Thi Hong Xuan – President of the Ho Chi Minh City Vietnam – ASEAN Friendship Association and Dean of the Faculty of Oriental Studies, University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Viet Nam National University Ho Chi Minh City, with the participation of specialists, members of the Executive Committee of the Ho Chi Minh City Vietnam – ASEAN Friendship Association, and representatives of the Faculty of Oriental Studies.
At the funeral ceremony, the delegation respectfully observed a moment of silence, signed the condolence book, and conveyed deep sympathies to the Thai Royal Family, the Government of the Kingdom of Thailand, the Royal Thai Consulate General in Ho Chi Minh City, and all the people of Thailand for this great loss.
Princess Bajrakitiyabha was a prominent figure who made significant contributions to the fields of law, diplomacy, community development, and humanitarian activities in the Kingdom of Thailand. The passing of the Princess is not only a great loss to the Royal Family and the people of Thailand but is also deeply mourned by international friends.
The visit and the signing of the condolence book took place in the context of the steadily developing friendship and cooperation between Vietnam and Thailand. The year 2026 marks the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Vietnam and Thailand (1976–2026), a testament to the friendship, trust, and comprehensive cooperation between the two nations within the ASEAN community.
Over the past years, the Ho Chi Minh City Vietnam – ASEAN Friendship Association has actively promoted people-to-people exchange activities, cultural and educational connections, and international cooperation between Vietnam and ASEAN countries, including Thailand. Many cultural exchange programs, youth dialogues, academic cooperation, and community events have contributed to enhancing understanding and bonds between the people of the two countries.
As a leading training and research unit in Thai studies in the Southern region, the Faculty of Oriental Studies, University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Viet Nam National University Ho Chi Minh City has trained generations of students, trainees, and researchers who are knowledgeable about Thai language, culture, history, and society. The Faculty also maintains cooperative relationships with many universities, diplomatic agencies, and organizations in Thailand, contributing to fostering high-quality human resources and strengthening academic and cultural bridges between the two nations.
Through this memorial and condolence activity, the Ho Chi Minh City Vietnam – ASEAN Friendship Association and the Faculty of Oriental Studies express deep empathy for the people of Thailand, while affirming their determination to continue contributing to the consolidation and development of the Vietnam – Thailand friendship, for peace, cooperation, and common prosperity in the ASEAN region.
