Thailand–Vietnam relations

At least in historical records , Thailand (as Siam) and the Vietnamese state fought together in a massive series of wars that began in the early 18th century. However, larger conflicts were recorded from the later 18th century.

After the overthrow of the Nguyễn Lord, Nguyễn Ánh, the last few survivors, sought vengeance by requesting assistance from Siam, whose force conducted a massive invasion into the newly-annexed southern Vietnam and committed atrocities there. A massive blow later has Siam being beaten disastrously by the Tay Son force, led by Nguyễn Huệ.

The Siamese and Vietnamese encountered two massive wars at the region, which led much to the destruction of Cambodia. Vietnam defeated Siam one, and another war ended in a stalemate. Thus, rivalry between two powers in the region remained until the French invasion of Cochinchina, which prevented a further conflict.

Thailand participated in the Vietnam War[2] on the side of the United States over fears of the domino theory and the communist insurgency in Thailand. Of the 12,000–15,000 Thai troops to fight in the war, over 2,000 casualties were recorded. After 1975, Thai–Vietnamese relations remained sour and very tense.

After the Vietnamese invasion of Cambodia resulted in the overthrow of the Khmer Rouge, Vietnam was in deep conflict with Thailand because of Thai support for the overthrown regime. Border raids were launched between both nations, damaged much of Cambodia, and further soured relations.

Hostility between Thailand and Vietnam ended in 1989, when Vietnamese forces retreated from Cambodia.

After Nguyễn Văn Linh's 1986 Đổi mới reforms, Vietnam moved from socialism to more integration with the international community. As a result, Thai–Vietnamese relations have quickly improved. Thailand, a founding member of ASEAN, supported Vietnam in joining the ASEAN, which occurred in 1995. Thus, the once-poor relationship between Thailand and Vietnam has turned into one of strategic co-operation and alliance.[3]