H.E. Gen. Prayut Chan-o-cha, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Thailand, issued a message of condolence to H.E. Mr. Emmanuel Macron, President of the French Republic, and H.E. Mr. Don Pramudwinai, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Thailand, issued a message of condolence to H.E. Mr. Jean-Yves  Le Drian, Minister of Europe and Foreign Affairs of the French Republic, on the passing away of H.E. Mr. Jacques Chirac, former President of the French Republic on 26 September 2019 as follows:

1. Message of Condolence from the Prime Minister of Thailand to the President of the French Republic

Excellency,

I have learned with profound sorrow of the passing of former President Jacques Chirac.

During the twelve years of his presidency, President Jacques Chirac  played a pivotal role in strengthening the friendship between the French Republic and the Kingdom of Thailand. His state visit to Thailand in 2006 opened up a new era in our partnership and laid down a solid foundation for our bilateral cooperation, which has, over the years, grown satisfactorily in all aspects.

President Chirac was an extraordinary statesman whose leadership and contributions to the European unity and global peace will always be remembered with much admiration. Resolute in his standing up against challenges of his time, including his strong anti-war stance, the end of conscription, and his pioneering role in climate change, President Chirac left behind a great many lasting legacies.  

On behalf of the Government and the people of Thailand, I have the honour to extend my deepest sympathy and condolences to his family and the Government of the French Republic and her people for this irreplaceable loss.

Accept, Excellency, the renewed assurances of my highest consideration.

                                                                        General Prayut Chan-o-cha (Ret.)

                                                                Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Thailand

2. Message of Condolence from the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Thailand to the Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs of the French Republic

Excellency,

I am deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Former President Jacques Chirac on 26 September 2019.

President Jacques Chirac’s leadership and dedication left a profound, lasting imprint not only on the contemporary history of the French Republic, but also on the history of Thailand-France relations. His state visit to Thailand in 2006 marked the first ever visit of France’s sitting Head of State since the establishment of our diplomatic relations in 1856. With his departure, Thailand has lost another great friend whose contributions to closer relations between our two countries will always be remembered.

In this time of grief, I join the world in paying tribute to President Jacques Chirac. I am certain that his legacy will forever be remembered and cherished. I wish to extend my deepest condolences to all members of his family and the people of the French Republic for this great loss.

Accept, Excellency, the renewed assurance of my highest consideration.

                                                                      Don Pramudwinai

                                                               Minister of Foreign Affairs

                                                               of the Kingdom of Thailand