Thailand and France have agreed to enhance their relationship to a strategic partnership, following discussions between Thai leader Anutin Charnvirakul and French President Emmanuel Macron in Paris. The talks, held at the Élysée Palace, explored expanding cooperation across several sectors, including trade, investment, cybersecurity, defense, and advanced technology. This new agreement aims to deepen ties between the two nations while addressing regional issues involving Cambodia and Myanmar.
The leaders discussed increasing collaboration in various industries such as alternative energy, aerospace, aviation, smart power grids, and artificial intelligence infrastructure. France reaffirmed its support for concluding the Thailand-European Union free trade agreement negotiations by the end of the year. Originally launched in 2013, these negotiations were put on hold in 2014 and only restarted in 2023, with Thai officials highlighting the potential economic benefits for both countries.
In addition to economic cooperation, both nations committed to strengthening defense and cybersecurity efforts, which include combating cybercrime, online scams, and transnational digital threats. On regional matters, Thailand emphasized its dedication to resolving border issues with Cambodia through peaceful dialogue and adherence to international law frameworks.
The governments also announced their intention to implement the Joint Action Plan to Strengthen the Thai-French Partnership from 2026 to 2028, setting the stage for the formal establishment of a strategic partnership. During his visit, Anutin met with executives from major French companies such as Airbus, Imerys, EssilorLuxottica, IN Groupe, and Thales Group to encourage further investment in Thailand’s high-tech and future industries. French businesses expressed confidence in the Thai investment environment, with Airbus confirming plans to expand its aviation and engineering operations in the country.