Running parallel with the Party’s external affairs and the government’s foreign relations, people-to-people diplomacy is described as a “three-legged stool”, one of the pillars actively contributing into the cause of national liberation, fatherland protection and construction and bringing Vietnam closer to international friends. At the southern province of Dong Nai, the provincial Union of Friendship Organizations (DUFO), which was known as quite “unfledged”, however did speedily imprint its role with assertive impressions in its people-to-people diplomatic activities. Of which, there were important and enthusiastic contributions paid by DUFO Chairwoman Bui Ngoc Thanh.

Under Decision No. 961/QD-UBND issued by the provincial People's Committee on April 8th, 2009, the Vietnam – Laos Friendship Association was established in Dong Nai. During the past five years, the Association has continuously developed, from 23 branches with some 800 members (in August 2014) to 31 branches with more than 1,300 members as now. Seen as practical ways to promote such special traditional ties, close-knit, loyal and pure affections between Vietnamese and Lao peoples, various meaningful activities were held by the Association, such as leading three delegations of Dong Nai doctors to come to the Lao province of Champasak for humanitarian health checkups, presenting gifts to Lao students who are pursuing study in Dong Nai on their holiday occasions, standing sponsor to Lao students, organizing get-together for important events of the two countries, etc. To mark the 55th anniversary of the establishment of Vietnam-Laos diplomatic relations, the association launched a contest of "Study on the Vietnam - Laos faithful and special relationship" across the province, holding Poetry Night of Nguyen Tieu (night of the fifteenth of the first lunar month) themed as "Faithful Friendship", offering Lao and Cambodian students trips to visit the Vinh Cuu district-based War Zone D.

In the period of 2013-2018, Dong Nai welcomed 158 turns of delegations (from foreign non-governmental organizations, companies, funds and associations) who come to the province to execute 219 projects and non-project aid. Around US$8,454,984, equivalent to VND196 billion were pledged to be given.

People-to-people diplomatic activities in the past time did attract various sources of foreign non-governmental aid in contribution to social welfare and such activities have warmly recognized by the people. All these achievements came owing to dedication from Ms. Bui Ngoc Thanh (her familiar name as “Chị Hai” or the “eldest sister”) – the most important person at Dong Nai Union of Friendship Organizations (DUFO).