Bangkok: The Prime Minister held discussions with the French ambassador to move forward with a strategic partnership. The talks between Mr. Jean-Claude Poimboeuf, Ambassador of the Republic of France to Thailand, and Mr. Anutin Charnvirakul, Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, centered on strengthening the longstanding friendship and strategic partnership between Thailand and France to bolster security, innovation, and future economic cooperation.

According to Thai News Agency, the meeting took place in a warm and friendly atmosphere, underscoring the close relationship between the two nations. The Prime Minister congratulated the French Ambassador on his retirement and praised his contributions to enhancing Thai-French relations during his tenure.

The Prime Minister highlighted the significance of 2026 as a milestone year for Thai-French relations, marked by the official visits of the Prime Minister and the royal family to France. These visits, along with the signing of a new Joint Action Plan on July 3, 2026, underscore the commitment to elevating bilateral relations to a strategic partnership level.

The discussions also focused on expanding cooperation beyond traditional diplomatic, trade, and investment areas. The Prime Minister emphasized the importance of strategic collaboration in strengthening security, resilience, and capabilities in areas such as innovation, digital technology, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and energy transition, all outlined in the new joint action plan.

The French Ambassador expressed France's full support for Thailand's application for OECD membership, commending the Thai government's efforts to align with OECD criteria through legal reforms. He expressed confidence that OECD membership would enhance national development, boost investor confidence, and improve the quality of life for Thai citizens.

The Joint Action Plan to Strengthen the Thailand-France Partnership 2026-2028 provides a framework for cooperation over the next three years. It aims to build on existing efforts and elevate the relationship to a strategic partnership, focusing on areas such as the circular economy, digital economy, and sustainable development, thereby enhancing the capabilities of both countries in the future.