The Prime Minister met with the French Ambassador to reaffirm the Thai-French friendship and progress towards a strategic partnership that strengthens security, innovation, and the economy of the future.
At 10:00 a.m. on 6 Jul 2026 GMT+7, at the reception room on the 2nd floor of the Thai Khu Fah Building, Government House, Jean-Claude Poimboeuf, Ambassador of the French Republic to Thailand, paid a courtesy visit to Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Anutin Charnvirakul to bid farewell on the occasion of completing his term of service.
After the meeting, Ms. Ratchada Thanadirek, spokesperson for the Office of the Prime Minister, revealed that the discussion was warm and friendly, reflecting the close familiarity and relationship between Thailand and France. The Prime Minister congratulated the French Ambassador on his retirement and praised his important role in promoting Thai-French relations throughout his tenure.
The Prime Minister stated that 2026 marks a significant milestone in Thai-French relations, highlighted by his visit to the French Republic and the official state visit of His Majesty the King and Her Majesty the Queen to France, demonstrating deep relations and tangible outcomes for both countries. Additionally, a new Joint Action Plan was signed on 3 July 2026, serving as a key foundation to elevate Thai-French relations into a Strategic Partnership.
The Prime Minister emphasized that current Thai-French relations have advanced beyond diplomatic, trade, and investment cooperation to a strategic collaboration aimed at enhancing security, strength, and long-term potential of both countries. This cooperation covers important future-oriented sectors such as innovation, digital technology, artificial intelligence (AI), cybersecurity, and energy transition, all included in the new Joint Action Plan.
The French Ambassador addressed Thailand’s application for OECD membership, affirming France’s full support. He praised the Thai government’s commitment to promptly reform laws and raise standards to comply with OECD criteria and expressed confidence that OECD membership will benefit national development, boost investor confidence, and improve the quality of life for Thai people in the long term.
“The Joint Action Plan to strengthen the Thai-French partnership for 2026–2028 provides a framework guiding cooperation over the next three years to continue the Roadmap implementation and elevate relations to a Strategic Partnership. It adds cooperation areas aligned with current global contexts, such as the circular economy, innovation, digital economy, cybersecurity, and new collaborative issues supporting sustainable development and enhancing the capabilities of both countries for the future.” Ms. Ratchada added.
