“Pita and Kulthida” visited Paris to listen to Thai workers and students, comparing Thai and French cultural policies, and found overseas voter engagement increased by 30% compared to the 2023 election.
On 19 Jan 2026 local time in Paris, France, Mr. Pita Limjaroenrat, accompanied by Ms. Kulthida Rungreungkiat, traveled to Paris to meet and talk with Thai nationals abroad at the Centre International de Culture Populaire (CICP). During this meeting, Mr. Pita learned that about 2,900 Thais are currently registered to vote in France, a 30% increase from the 2023 election, reflecting heightened awareness and commitment among overseas Thais to participate in shaping the country's future.
The election ballots will be sent to Thailand for counting, while referendum votes will be tallied at the embassy, with many people interested in witnessing the referendum vote count.
At this event, Mr. Pita and Ms. Kulthida held a forum to hear concerns from Thai workers in France, who play vital roles in various sectors such as fashion industry workers, tailors, restaurant staff, and traditional Thai massage therapists. The workers shared challenges related to daily living and accessing rights and benefits from the Thai government while abroad.
These issues align with the policy proposal for a “Global Thai Workers Care Center,” aimed at protecting the rights and welfare of all Thais, regardless of where they reside or work.
Additionally, there was an in-depth exchange with Thai students and experts in cultural management in France. Policy comparisons revealed that although France’s economy is about five to six times larger than Thailand’s, France allocates 18 times more budget to culture. The investment is divided into 45% for heritage, 25% for creation, and 30% for media support, reflecting a balanced approach between preserving the past and creating the future.
Another key strength is cultural decentralization: most of the budget is not centralized at the federal government but transferred to local governments, allowing cultural policy and management to be diverse and truly responsive to each area's context.
Ms. Kulthida explained the French book industry model, which has successfully created a sustainable reading ecosystem through the Loi Lang or “single book price law.” This law mandates that new books be sold at the same price nationwide to protect independent bookstores from competition by large capital groups, alongside tax reductions for publishers and widespread community libraries.
Mr. Pita emphasized that this European visit is not just about meeting supporters but about listening and gathering experiential data to develop policies that shift the state’s role from “occasional care” to “sustainable connection,” aiming to harness the potential of Thais worldwide to jointly contribute to the country’s long-term development.