I am pleased to address the readers of Elite+ magazine on the occasion of the celebration of the French National Day, July 14th. This comes in a particular context, that of the commemoration in 2025 of the 340th anniversary of the first diplomatic mission sent in 1685 by King Louis XIV of France to King Narai, which makes Siam the oldest partner of my country in Asia. Next year, we will commemorate the 170th anniversary of the signing in 1856 of the Treaty of Friendship, Commerce and Navigation, which marks the beginning of our diplomatic relations in the modern era. A testament to the continuity of Franco-Thai relations, the residence of France, which is part of Bangkok’s heritage, has been located since then on the banks of the Chao Phraya River.
These commemorations provide us with an opportunity not only to celebrate the highlights of our long-shared history, but also and above all to highlight the richness and diversity of our ties. Over time, Thailand and France have established fruitful relations in the fields of culture, education, scientific research and innovation.
We also have significant economic relations. Thailand is the second customer and second supplier of France in Southeast Asia. Some 300 French companies, employing 45,000 people, are involved in Thailand’s development in a wide variety of sectors. We are pleased to welcome to France Thai investors who have chosen our country to develop their international presence. We are convinced that the conclusion of a free trade agreement between Thailand and the European Union will give impetus to our trade. Similarly, France welcomes Thailand’s wish to become a member of the OECD.
Our two countries are currently working to identify projects that will enhance our relations to the level of a strategic partnership, as agreed by our authorities. This future strategic partnership involves strengthening our cooperation in the sectors identified as common priorities: defence and security; space; infrastructure, including transport; energy transition.
For our part, France wishes to strengthen our dialogue with Thailand in an international context marked by the weakening of multilateralism and the multiplication of regional conflicts. France wants to work closely with the Kingdom on the global challenges we all face: climate change, energy transition, biodiversity loss, pollution and the use of artificial intelligence for the common good.
These are priorities of France’s Indo-Pacific strategy and our policy of rapprochement with ASEAN, which began several years ago. As President Macron stressed during his recent tour of Southeast Asia, France wants to be a trusted partner for the countries of the region. That also applies to our relationship with Thailand, a long-standing and important partner.
