On 2 September 2019, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs held a press conference to launch the celebration of the “333 Years: Siamese Envoy to France”. Mr. Sasiwat Wongsinsawat, Director-General of the European Affairs Department, and His Excellency Mr. Jacques Lapouge, Ambassador of the French Republic to the Kingdom of Thailand, jointly launched the event at Vithes Samosorn Hall, Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The commemoration of “333 Years: Siamese Envoy to France” has been initiated by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to observe an important event in Thai diplomatic history whereby a Siamese envoy, led by Ok-phra Wisut Sunthon (Kosa Pan), was dispatched to France by King Narai the Great, and   the royal envoy was received in a solemn audience by King Louis XIV on 1 September 1686. This momentous event was of great historical significance, since it formed the foundation of the long-standing friendship between Thailand and France, which have subsequently blossomed into a fully-fledged and comprehensive partnership across multiple dimensions in the present day.

A series of activities to mark this 333^rd anniversary will be held throughout the year, both in Thailand and France. At the initial phase of the celebration, the following activities have been carried out by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs:

(1) Logo design to reflect the bonds of amity between Thailand and France;

(2) Publication of a commemorative book “333 Years: Siamese envoy to France” both in hardback and E-book form;

(3) Academic lectures on the 333^rd anniversary;

(4) The Signing of the Memorandum of Cooperation between the Thailand International Cooperation Agency (TICA) and the Agence Française de Développement (AFD) to promote cooperation for sustainable development.

Moreover, the French Embassy in Thailand, together with the Alliance Française Bangkok, have plans to hold multiple cultural activities in celebration of this important occasion, including  Baroque music concert, film-screening and seminars on the theme of the Palace of Versailles, contemporary performing arts, and French gastronomy.

With a view to publicise the commemoration and encourage participation, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs invited representatives of the public and private sectors, relevant agencies, as well as educational institutions to participate in the year-long activities to celebrate the long-standing friendship between Thailand and France.