Thailand and France are set to enhance their diplomatic relations to a strategic partnership following a meeting between Thai leader Anutin Charnvirakul and French President Emmanuel Macron in Paris. The official discussions, held at the Élysée Palace, centered on expanding bilateral cooperation across several sectors, including trade, investment, cybersecurity, defense, and advanced technology. Both leaders also took the opportunity to address regional developments, particularly in Cambodia and Myanmar.
As part of their commitment to boosting collaboration, Thailand and France aim to work closely in industries such as alternative energy, aerospace, aviation, smart power grids, and artificial intelligence infrastructure. France showed strong support for finalizing the Thailand-European Union free trade agreement within the year, a process that originally began in 2013 but was put on hold in 2014 before resuming in 2023. Thai officials have highlighted the potential economic benefits this agreement could bring to both nations.
The meeting also emphasized the importance of strengthening defense and cybersecurity ties, with both countries pledging to tackle cybercrime, online scams, and transnational digital threats. On regional issues, Thailand reaffirmed its dedication to addressing border disputes with Cambodia through peaceful negotiations and adherence to international legal frameworks.
Both governments have announced the implementation of a Joint Action Plan to Strengthen the Thai-French Partnership from 2026 to 2028, laying the groundwork for a formal strategic partnership. During his visit, Anutin engaged with executives from key French companies, including Airbus, Imerys, EssilorLuxottica, IN Groupe, and Thales Group, to attract further investment in Thailand’s high-tech and future-focused industries. Notably, Airbus confirmed its plans to expand aviation and engineering operations in Thailand, reflecting confidence in the country’s investment climate.