In a significant diplomatic engagement in Paris, Anutin Charnvirakul from Thailand and French President Emmanuel Macron have agreed to elevate their countries’ bilateral ties to a strategic partnership. The official discussions, held at the Élysée Palace, primarily explored expanding cooperation across various sectors including trade, investment, cybersecurity, defense, and advanced technology. The leaders also deliberated on regional issues concerning Cambodia and Myanmar, underscoring the importance of collaborative efforts in Southeast Asia.
Thailand and France expressed mutual interest in furthering cooperation in fields such as alternative energy, aerospace, aviation, and smart power grids, as well as the development of artificial intelligence infrastructure. France reiterated its backing for the swift conclusion of negotiations on the Thailand-European Union free trade agreement, a process that was initially started in 2013, halted in 2014, and resumed in 2023. Thai officials have highlighted the potential economic benefits this agreement could bring to both nations.
The dialogue also included commitments to bolster defense and cybersecurity collaborations, aiming to tackle issues like cybercrime, online scams, and transnational digital threats. Additionally, Thailand reaffirmed its dedication to addressing border disputes with Cambodia through peaceful negotiations and adherence to international legal frameworks. These discussions reflect a broader commitment to regional stability and cooperation.
Both governments announced their intention to implement the Joint Action Plan to Strengthen the Thai-French Partnership for the years 2026-2028, setting the stage for a formal strategic partnership. This framework aims to enhance bilateral engagements across various domains, reinforcing the longstanding ties between the two countries.
During his visit to France, Anutin engaged with leaders from major French corporations such as Airbus, Imerys, EssilorLuxottica, IN Groupe, and Thales Group, encouraging further investment in Thailand’s emerging high-tech sectors. French businesses showed confidence in Thailand’s investment climate, with Airbus revealing plans to expand its aviation and engineering presence in the nation. This move underscores the growing economic links and mutual interests between Thailand and France.