Thailand and France have agreed to elevate their bilateral relations to a strategic partnership, following high-level talks between Thai Deputy Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and French President Emmanuel Macron in Paris. The discussions, held at the Élysée Palace, centered on strengthening cooperation in sectors such as trade, investment, cybersecurity, defense, and advanced technology. Both nations aim to increase collaboration in industries including alternative energy, aerospace, aviation, smart power grids, and artificial intelligence infrastructure.
A key outcome of the meeting was France’s reaffirmed support for concluding negotiations on a Thailand-European Union free trade agreement by the end of the year. Initially launched in 2013 and suspended in 2014, these talks were revived in 2023. Thai officials are optimistic that the agreement will open significant economic opportunities for both parties involved. The two countries also committed to enhancing defense and cybersecurity cooperation, focusing on tackling cybercrime, online fraud, and transnational digital threats.
On regional affairs, Thailand reiterated its commitment to resolving border disputes with Cambodia through peaceful dialogue and adherence to international legal frameworks. In a move to formalize their enhanced cooperation, both governments announced plans to implement the Joint Action Plan to Strengthen the Thai-French Partnership for 2026-2028, setting the stage for a formal strategic partnership between the two nations.
During his visit, Anutin engaged with executives from leading French companies such as Airbus, Imerys, EssilorLuxottica, IN Groupe, and Thales Group to promote further investment in Thailand’s high-tech and future industries. French businesses expressed confidence in Thailand’s investment climate, with Airbus confirming its intention to expand aviation and engineering operations in the country.