Royal: Thai people celebrate Songkran, Thailand's traditional new year's held from April 13 to 15. — Photos courtesy of Tourism Authority of Thailand

His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej of Thailand has been working tirelessly to improve the well-being of the Thai people throughout his 69-year reign. Thailand's enhancement to the rank of middle-income country, owe a great deal to the Sufficiency Economy Philosophy of His Majesty the King, a method of development based on moderation, prudence, and social immunity, one that uses knowledge and virtue as guidelines.

His Majesty the King's Sufficiency Economy Philosophy has been recognised throughout the world. In 2006, His Majesty the King was awarded the UNDP Human Development Lifetime Achievement Award in tribute to His Majesty's tireless devotion to improving the quality of life and welfare of His people and for national development.

On the 5th of December every year, Thai people throughout the Kingdom and around the world celebrate His Majesty the King's birthday anniversary, which is also the National Day of Thailand and National Father's Day. This year marks his 88th birthday and, currently, His Majesty is the world's longest reigning monarch.

This year also marks a milestone for the cordial relations between Thailand and Viet Nam. In July 2015, Prime Minister Prayut Chan-O-Cha of Thailand and Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung of Viet Nam co-chaired the 3rd Thailand – Viet Nam Joint Cabinet Retreat (JCR) in Bangkok which was the highest bilateral mechanism between the two countries. Under the theme "Embarking on the 5th Decade of Thailand – Viet Nam Relations: Towards a Strengthened Strategic Partnership", the results of the meeting have set out the direction for the future bilateral relations in many key areas ranging from political, defence and security to economic, social, cultural and people-to-people connectivity as well as regional and international co-operation.

Make a wish: Thai people float flowers and candles in Loy Krathong Festival, which is dedicated to water spirits, is held in the middle of 12th lunar month of the Thai year.

Trading relations between Thailand and Viet Nam are thriving. Two-way trade between the two countries totaled at US$11.8 billion in 2014, an increase of 13.6 per cent from the previous year. In the first half of this year, two-way trade rose to nearly $6.3 billion, an increase of nearly 15 per cent over the same period year-on-year.

In terms of investment, Thailand is among the top 10 countries investing in Viet Nam. It has about $6.7 billion in nearly 400 projects.

Educational co-operation is one of the closest areas of co-operation between the two countries. Thai universities are popular choices among Vietnamese students to further their studies, at both undergraduate and post-graduate levels.

Next year, Thailand and Viet Nam will celebrate the 40th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations and both leaders have agreed to attach great importance to this auspicious occasion. One of the main focuses will be on the people-to-people linkages which has always been one of the main pillars of our relations.

Both sides are also co-operating closely to accelerate the realisation of the ASEAN Community by the end of this year.

Based on a foundation of respect, understanding and trust, the future of Thailand – Viet Nam relations is bright.— VNS