The Development of Vietnamese Studies in Thailand

Abstract

Vietnamese studies first emerged in Thailand during the Cold War period and developed into a vibrant field after the establishment of Thai-Vietnamese diplomatic relations and the end of the Cambodian conflict. Vietnam’s accession to ASEAN in 1995 and preparation for the ASEAN Economic Community prior to 2015 also provided favorable conditions for the expansion of Vietnamese studies in Thai research and scholarship. However, the study of Vietnam in Thailand is often seen as a part of Southeast Asian studies and ASEAN studies. Research on Vietnam is typically carried out comparatively within a regional context, especially in comparison with Thailand, rather than for its own sake.