Anutin and Macron agree to deepen ties in aerospace, clean energy and cybersecurity
Thai PM Anutin and French President Macron agreed to deepen economic cooperation in aerospace, clean energy, and cybersecurity during talks in Paris, with both nations prioritizing a Thailand-EU Free Trade Agreement by year-end.
PARIS, France — Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul held talks with French President Emmanuel Macron over dinner at the Élysée Palace on 25 May, with aerospace and aviation emerging as a key focus of discussions on deepening bilateral trade and investment ties.
Government spokeswoman Rachada Thanadirek summarised the outcomes of the meeting, which covered four main areas: trade and investment promotion, the Thailand-EU Free Trade Agreement, security and cybersecurity cooperation, and regional situations involving Cambodia and Myanmar.
On trade and investment, both leaders agreed to push for stronger growth in bilateral economic ties, with a particular emphasis on high-value industries. Aerospace and aviation were highlighted as a priority sector, alongside alternative energy, smart electricity transmission systems, and infrastructure for artificial intelligence and data centres — areas in which French private sector firms hold significant expertise.
Following separate discussions with MEDEF International and leading French companies, several firms expressed interest in investing or expanding their presence in Thailand. France also welcomed existing Thai private sector investment on French soil and expressed a desire to see it grow further.
On the Thailand-EU Free Trade Agreement, Prime Minister Anutin reaffirmed that concluding the negotiations this year is a key government priority. He thanked France for its continued support throughout the negotiation process, expressing confidence that the agreement would serve as a turning point in creating economic opportunities for both countries.
On security, both sides agreed to expand cooperation into cybersecurity, building on their existing participation in the Cobra Gold joint military exercises. The move aligns with Thailand's broader efforts to combat online fraud and cybercrime, which have already resulted in successful prosecutions, extraditions, and the seizure of significant illicit assets.
On regional affairs, Prime Minister Anutin reaffirmed Thailand's commitment to sovereignty, peace, and international law in relation to the situations in Cambodia and Myanmar. He said Thailand's decision to cancel the MOU 44 with Cambodia came after nearly 25 years without progress, and that Thailand would instead pursue resolution under UNCLOS through bilateral dialogue. On land border issues, he said Thailand would follow the joint statement signed late last year and would be watching for genuine commitment from the Cambodian side.
Both sides agreed to advance a Joint Action Plan to Strengthen the Thai-French Partnership 2026-2028, a significant step towards elevating the bilateral relationship to a strategic partnership.
