A memorable moment with General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong in Thailand.

Dr. Binh recalled that on June 23, 2013, with the Ambassador's approval, the First Secretary of the Vietnamese Embassy called and asked him to go to Thailand to assist the delegation of the General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam on its official visit to Thailand (June 25-27, 2013).

General Secretary Nguyen Phu TrongThe delegation took a photo with Vietnamese students at the Vietnamese Embassy in Bangkok in 2013.(Source: Vu Duy – Xuan Son/VOV-Bangkok)

This visit is of immense significance for the General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam, the first since General Secretary Do Muoi's visit to Thailand 20 years ago (in 1993).

Two notable events during this visit were the signing of an agreement to elevate relations to a strategic partnership and the awarding of certificates.honorary doctorateThe Political Science department at Thammasat University offersGeneral Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong.

Dr. Nguyen Ngoc Binh's first impression was that the General Secretary resembled a teacher, yet also possessed the seriousness of a researcher and scientist. In Dr. Binh's view, the General Secretary appeared gentle, calm, and intelligent, like any professor from the Faculty of Literature at Hanoi University in his younger days.

During the honorary doctorate conferment ceremony at Thammasat University, General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong was truly majestic, a majesty emanating from his intellectual prowess. Professors and distinguished guests from Thailand attending the ceremony remarked this to Dr. Binh.

General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong receives an honorary doctorate in Political Science.(Source: Vu Duy – Xuan Son/VOV-Bangkok).

At the meeting at the Vietnamese Embassy, ​​embassy staff, generations of Vietnamese expatriates, and students living, working, and studying in Bangkok were all impressed by a simple and approachable leader. Frankly, at that moment, Dr. Binh and everyone else didn't think they were standing in front of the General Secretary; they felt more like a grandfather or uncle who had been away on business and were finally meeting again!

"Only then did I understand why Thammasat University in particular, and the Royal Thai Government in general, proposed awarding the General Secretary an honorary doctorate in Political Science. This is the second oldest university in Thailand, founded in 1934 (18 years after the oldest), by Pridi Banomyong, a good friend of President Ho Chi Minh and the Vietnamese people," Dr. Binh informed, adding that many students from this university later became prime ministers and famous politicians such as Sanya Dharmasakti, Tanin Kraivixien, Chuan Leekpai, Samak Sundaravej, Somchai Wongsawat, Abhisit Vejjajiva, etc.

Responding to this honor, the General Secretary said: “The honorary degree that Thammasat University has awarded me today is not only an honor for me personally, but also a vivid symbol of the traditional friendship and good neighborly cooperation between Vietnam and Thailand.”

The visit was a resounding success, strengthening relations and elevating the strategic relationship between the two countries. It also left a positive and close impression of General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong on the government, country, and people of Thailand, as well as on all Vietnamese officials, expatriates, and students in Thailand. For Dr. Binh personally, this trip is a precious and unforgettable memory.