Vietnam’s Party General Secretary To Lam visited Thailand (May 27-29, 2026) amid upgraded Comprehensive Strategic Partnership ties. Bilateral trade reached US$22.1 billion in 2025, with electronics exports exceeding US$1 billion. Both nations are deepening cooperation in technology, renewable energy, and supply chains, strengthening ASEAN integration.

Key Points

• Vietnamese President To Lam’s official visit to Thailand (May 27-29, 2026) marks a milestone as both nations celebrate 50 years of diplomatic relations and their upgraded Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, aiming to strengthen ASEAN unity and resilience.

• Bilateral trade reached US$22.1 billion in 2025, with Vietnam’s electronics exports to Thailand exceeding US$1 billion, while Thai investment in Vietnam totals US$15.4 billion across 800 projects spanning retail, renewable energy, and semiconductors.

• Beyond economics, cooperation expands through the “Three Connections” strategy covering supply chains, business linkages, and sustainable development, alongside growing cultural, educational, tourism, and people-to-people exchanges between the two countries.

Vietnam-Thailand Relations Enter a New Strategic Era

Party General Secretary and State President To Lam’s official visit to Thailand (May 27–29, 2026) marks a pivotal moment in bilateral relations, coinciding with the recent upgrade to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. The visit, his first to an ASEAN nation since taking office, arrives ahead of the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations in 2026. Both Vietnamese and Thai officials describe it as an opportunity to reaffirm political trust, deepen cooperation, and open a transformative new chapter in what has become one of Southeast Asia’s most consequential bilateral relationships.

Economic Ties Reach Record Levels Across Key Sectors

Bilateral trade reached US$22.1 billion in 2025, growing 9% year-on-year, with Thailand remaining Vietnam’s largest ASEAN trading partner. Vietnam’s electronics exports to Thailand surpassed US$1 billion in early 2026, rising 29.2%. Thai investment in Vietnam now encompasses nearly 800 projects worth US$15.4 billion, expanding beyond retail into renewable energy, petrochemicals, and green industries. Vietnamese manufacturing is also advancing, with Kim Long Motor buses entering the Thai market, signaling Vietnam’s growing integration into regional and global supply chains beyond traditional trade frameworks.

Strategic Cooperation Drives Shared Sustainable Development

Guided by the “Three Connections” strategy — supply chain connectivity, business-locality links, and sustainable development alignment — both nations are pivoting toward high-tech industries, semiconductors, digital transformation, and the green economy. Cultural, educational, and people-to-people exchanges further reinforce these ties, supported by approximately 20 twinned provincial pairs and a vibrant Vietnamese community in Thailand. As two of ASEAN’s major economies, Vietnam and Thailand are positioned to serve as key drivers of regional integration, contributing to a united, resilient, and sustainably developing ASEAN community.

Source : Vietnam, Thailand forge closer links for a resilient and sustainable ASEAN

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Australia’s Gen X and baby boomers are rewriting the rules of luxury spending, with a surge in high-value diamond purchases as older Australians prioritise enjoyment, legacy and personal reward over saving.

Leading jeweller Nick Ireland, founder of Nick Ireland Jewellery, a world leading premium custom jewellery maker with a presence in Australia and the UK said the shift is unmistakable and is reshaping how diamonds are bought and valued across the country.

“We are seeing a very clear and consistent increase in demand from Gen X and baby boomers who are now choosing to invest in high-quality, rare diamonds, particularly Argyle pinks and large white stones, as a way to enjoy their success while also securing something tangible and lasting for the future,” Ireland said.

A generational shift in spending

Ireland said today’s premium jewellery buyers are far more confident in spending on luxury items than previous generations, driven by decades of asset growth and changing attitudes towards wealth.

“These generations have worked incredibly hard over many years to build their financial position and, rather than holding onto everything, they are now making conscious decisions to enjoy it through meaningful purchases that bring both personal satisfaction and long-term value,” he said.

He said diamonds are increasingly being viewed as both wearable luxury and a store of value.

“They are selecting pieces that they can wear and enjoy in the present, while also knowing they hold intrinsic value and can be passed down to future generations, which adds another layer of meaning to the purchase,” he said.

“Ultimately they are a good investment as the pieces not only showcase style they also grow in value and this is something that sophisticated buyers are looking for.”

The rise of ‘self-gifting’

One of the most notable shifts is the rise in self-purchasing among older Australians, particularly women.

“We are seeing more clients in their 50s and 60s, especially professional women, who are financially independent and confident in their decisions, choosing to purchase significant diamond pieces for themselves as a reflection of their achievements and personal milestones,” Ireland said.

“This is no longer about waiting for someone else to buy you something special, it is about recognising your own success and choosing to celebrate it in a way that feels authentic and rewarding.”

Rare diamonds driving demand

Ireland said demand is particularly strong for rare and investment-grade stones, especially following the closure of the Argyle diamond mine.

“With the Argyle mine now closed, the supply of pink diamonds is permanently limited, which is creating a strong sense of urgency and long-term value among buyers who understand that these stones are not only beautiful but increasingly scarce,” he said.

“Our collection has been built over many years through careful sourcing and strong global relationships, and we are seeing significant interest from clients who are specifically looking for something rare and enduring.”

A move away from fast fashion luxury

Ireland said Gen X and boomers are deliberately moving away from mass-produced jewellery in favour of craftsmanship and quality.

“There is a very clear preference for pieces that are made properly, with attention to detail and a focus on longevity, rather than something that is produced quickly and lacks individuality or substance,” he said.

“At our studio, every piece is crafted in-house, which allows clients to be involved in the design process and ensures the final product reflects both quality and personal meaning. It also ensures exclusivity enabling clients to participate in the design process and create a piece that is stunningly unique.”

Family, legacy and the next generation

Ireland said many purchases are driven by a desire to create something that lasts beyond the individual.

“These are not just purchases for today, they are often made with the intention of becoming heirloom pieces that can be passed down, carrying both financial and emotional value for the next generation,” he said.

Working alongside his son Zac, who now designs many of the studio’s pieces, Ireland said the business itself reflects that generational mindset.

“It is incredibly meaningful to be building something alongside my son and creating pieces that will outlast us both, which is exactly what many of our clients are looking to achieve through their own purchases,” he said.

A powerful market force

While younger buyers continue to dominate engagement ring sales, Ireland said Gen X and boomers are now one of the most influential segments in the luxury jewellery market.

“They have the financial capacity, the confidence to spend and a very clear understanding of value, which makes them a powerful force in shaping demand, particularly in the high-end and investment-grade space,” he said.

“As more Australians enter retirement with significant assets, we expect this trend to continue to strengthen rather than slow down.”

A new era for diamonds

Ireland said the evolving behaviour of Gen X and boomers is fundamentally changing how diamonds are perceived.

“Diamonds are no longer seen purely as symbols of engagement or romance, they are increasingly being recognised as markers of success, personal achievement and long-term legacy, which broadens their relevance significantly,” he said.

“If you have spent decades working hard to build a life and create wealth, it makes complete sense to enjoy that success through something that is both beautiful and enduring.”
About Nick Ireland Jewellery

Nick Ireland is a master jeweller with more than 40 years’ experience in the global jewellery trade. Originally trained in the UK, he established his business in Australia in the early 1990s and now operates a boutique, appointment-only studio in Brisbane, with offices in Sydney and Melbourne.

Known for bespoke, high-quality craftsmanship and strong global relationships with diamond and gemstone suppliers, the business specialises in engagement rings, rare diamonds and one-off luxury pieces.

The studio holds an extensive collection of Argyle pink diamonds and offers access to thousands of internationally sourced stones, positioning it as a leading destination for premium and investment-grade jewellery in Australia.

Not long ago, landing at Suvarnabhumi Airport in Bangkok meant one of two things: joining the queue at a SIM card kiosk in arrivals, or bracing yourself for the international roaming charges about to hit your phone bill. Neither was particularly appealing. Today, a growing number of travellers are arriving in Thailand, and dozens of other destinations, already connected, having activated a digital SIM card before they even boarded the plane.

The technology making this possible is the eSIM, and its adoption among international travellers has accelerated sharply over the past two years.

What is eSIM technology and how does it work?

An eSIM, or embedded SIM, is a digital SIM card built directly into your smartphone. Unlike a traditional physical SIM card that you insert into a slot, an eSIM is programmed remotely by scanning a QR code. The process takes about five minutes, can be done from home before departure, and requires no trip to a carrier store or airport kiosk.

For travellers, the practical implication is significant. Rather than paying $10–25 per day in roaming charges through their home carrier, the standard rate offered by Australian providers including Telstra, Optus, and Vodafone for international data, they can purchase a local-rate data plan for their destination and have it ready to activate upon arrival.

The global eSIM market is growing rapidly. According to Ericsson’s Mobility Report, the number of eSIM-capable devices worldwide is expected to exceed 6 billion by 2030, with consumer uptake accelerating as flagship smartphones from Apple, Samsung, and Google ship with eSIM as standard.

Why Thailand is a defining test case

Thailand welcomes close to 40 million international visitors annually, with Australians consistently among the top visitor nationalities. Bangkok, Phuket, Chiang Mai, and Koh Samui all depend on mobile connectivity in ways that make reliable internet not a luxury but a functional necessity for navigation, booking accommodation, hailing rideshare services, and staying in contact while moving between provinces.

Traditional roaming plans handle this adequately but expensively. A 10-day trip to Thailand on standard roaming from an Australian carrier can generate $100–250 in data charges for moderate use. A Thailand eSIM from a provider like Yesim costs a fraction of that — plans start from a few dollars per day with full 4G LTE access through local Thai networks including AIS and DTAC.

The Yesim eSIM Thailand offers both prepaid data plans and unlimited options, with plans designed specifically for tourist stay lengths, from a single day to 30 days. Crucially, it can be purchased and installed before departure, so the phone connects to a Thai network the moment the plane lands, without any queuing or in-country setup required.

The shift away from traditional roaming

The economics of traditional international roaming have always been difficult to justify. Carriers charge a daily access fee that applies whether you use 10 MB or 1 GB, and the data allowances on most roaming day passes are insufficient for the way travellers actually use their phones.

Travel eSIM providers operate on a different model. Plans are prepaid, data-specific, and priced based on the actual cost of wholesale access to local mobile networks. There’s no connection fee, no daily access charge, and no risk of bill shock when you arrive home.

The convenience factor is equally significant. The ability to switch between a home SIM and a travel eSIM on the same device, a feature built into every dual-SIM compatible iPhone from the XS onward and most modern Android flagships, means travellers can keep their Australian number active for calls while the eSIM handles all data internationally.

Compatibility and adoption

eSIM technology is now supported by the majority of smartphones sold in Australia. iPhones from the XS (2018) and later, Samsung Galaxy S20 and later, Google Pixel 3 and later, and most other flagship Android devices all support eSIM.

The activation process is straightforward enough that first-time users typically encounter no issues: purchase a plan online, receive a QR code by email, scan it through the phone’s settings menu, and set the eSIM as the active data line. For travellers with older devices that don’t support eSIM, physical SIM cards from local carriers remain an option, though the convenience gap is widening.

Getting started: a practical note for Australian travellers

For travellers heading to Thailand or any other international destination in the near term, Yesim is currently offering new customers a 10% discount using the promo code YESIMIBT10 at checkout. Plans for Thailand include daily unlimited options and multi-week prepaid data packages, all activatable before departure.

More information and plan comparison for eSIM Thailand is available on the Yesim site.

Frequently asked questions

How do I activate a Thailand eSIM before I travel?

Purchase a plan from a provider like Yesim at yesim.app, then follow the QR code installation steps under your phone’s cellular or SIM settings. iPhone: Settings → Cellular → Add eSIM. Android: Settings → Network & Internet → SIMs → Add eSIM. The eSIM installs in under a minute. Set it as your data line, enable data roaming on the eSIM profile, and your phone connects to a Thai network automatically upon arrival.

How much does a Thailand eSIM cost compared to standard roaming?

A standard Australian carrier roaming to Thailand typically runs $10–15 per day for a limited daily data allowance. A Yesim Thailand eSIM plan starts significantly lower with prepaid data packages and unlimited daily options available. New customers can use code YESIMIBT10 for 10% off their first purchase.

Can I keep my Australian number active while using a Thailand eSIM?

Yes. On dual SIM-capable devices, your physical SIM card stays active for calls and SMS on your Australian number while the eSIM handles mobile data in Thailand independently. You can receive calls on your home number and browse on eSIM data simultaneously.

What network does a Yesim Thailand eSIM use?

Yesim connects to local Thai networks including AIS and DTAC, which together provide 4G LTE coverage across Thailand, Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket, and the main tourist corridors. Coverage in remote rural areas and on smaller islands may vary.

The Bristol-headquartered business is looking to expand its range of products amid a decline in cigarette smoking

Cigarette maker Imperial Brands has acquired a US-based tobacco alternative business in a deal it said would boost its growth strategy. The Bristol-headquartered producer of Golden Virginia paid an initial consideration of $150m for Black Buffalo, it said on Wednesday, with an extra deferred sum based on performance over three years to be made at a later date.

Black Buffalo was established in 2015 and makes oral products such as pouches that aim to replicate the taste and ritual of traditional tobacco without using the leaf or stem.

The Chicago-headquartered company uses a farm-to-can process and manufactures its products in North Carolina from US-grown barn-cured leafy greens, with nicotine and flavourings added.

Imperial said the US firm offered “a differentiated experience and appeals to different consumers” compared to Zone – its own US range of flavoured nicotine pouches.

Lukas Paravicini, chief executive of Imperial Brands, said: “This acquisition reflects our disciplined and focused approach to building a stronger next generation product portfolio in markets where we see attractive long-term growth opportunities. Black Buffalo is a strong, challenger brand with a highly differentiated proposition and complements our broader growth strategy.”

The Black Buffalo team join the Imperial Brands team as part of the transaction.

Mark Hanson, co-founder and president of Black Buffalo, added: “Black Buffalo was built on innovation, deep consumer insights and a commitment to differentiated alternatives for adult consumers. We are excited about the opportunity with our new colleagues to combine our brand and product expertise with their scale, resources and commercial capabilities.”

Imperial Brands was advised on this transaction by Morgan Stanley, KPMG and White & Case. Black Buffalo was advised by Goldman Sachs and Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison.

The announcement comes as Imperial looks to focus on tobacco-free and alternative products as smoking rates continue to decline. The company confirmed on Wednesday it remained “committed” to an ongoing multi-year share buyback programme.

Earlier in May, Imperial warned a protracted conflict in the Middle East could impact input costs and consumer demand, including duty free, but reiterated its guidance for the financial year.

This article was written by

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