PM Discusses with French President to Elevate Thai-French Relations, Push Forward on Thailand-EU Free Trade Agreement
Prime Minister Anutin met with French President Macron in Paris to boost bilateral trade in renewable energy and aerospace while advancing Thailand-EU free trade agreement negotiations, with both nations committing to strengthen their partn
On May 25 at 8:30 PM Paris time at the Palais de l'Elysée in Paris, French Republic, President Emmanuel Macron hosted a dinner for Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and Minister of Interior, with a warm welcome atmosphere.
Following the meeting, government spokeswoman Rachada Thanadirek summarized key discussion points:
1. Trade and Investment Promotion: Both the French President and Prime Minister agreed to boost bilateral trade and investment growth, particularly in high-value industries including renewable energy, aerospace and aviation, smart electrical transmission lines, and AI Data Center infrastructure—future industries where French private sector has strong expertise and capacity. Following discussions with MEDEF International and leading French private companies, many firms expressed interest in investing or expanding investments in Thailand, while France commended Thai private sector investments in France and welcomes further expansion.
2. Thailand-EU Free Trade Agreement Negotiations: This is one of the Thai government's key policies, with commitment to conclude negotiations this year. The Prime Minister thanked France for continuous support of the negotiation process, confident this agreement will be a significant turning point creating economic opportunities for both nations.
3. Enhanced Security Cooperation in Cybersecurity: As both sides participate in Cobra Gold exercises, security and cybersecurity cooperation will be expanded, aligning with the government's global efforts to combat cybercriminals and online threats, successfully prosecuting and extraditing suspects, and seizing illegal assets.
4. Thailand-Cambodia and Myanmar Situations: The Prime Minister reaffirmed Thailand's commitment to respecting sovereignty principles, peace, and international law. The decision to cancel MOU 44, after nearly 25 years without progress, led Thailand to apply international law (UNCLOS) through bilateral discussions. For land border issues, Thailand will follow the joint statement signed late last year while requiring proof of Cambodia's sincerity.
Both sides will advance a Joint Action Plan to strengthen the Thai-French Partnership 2026-2028, a significant step toward elevating bilateral relations to a strategic partnership.
French participants included Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot, Deputy Minister Éléonore Caroit, Asia-Pacific Bureau Director Benoît Guidée, French Ambassador to Thailand Jean-Claude Poimboeuf, Presidential Diplomatic Advisor Emmanuel Bonne, Asia Affairs Advisor Julie Le Saos, and others.
