On 5 June 2026, H.E. Mr. Parnpree Bahiddha-Nukara, Chairman of the Advisory Board to the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, delivered opening remarks and attended at the 4th France - Thailand Business Forum held at The Athenee Hotel, Bangkok. The event was jointly organised by France – Thailand Business Forum, MEDEF International, and the Joint Standing Committee on Commerce, Industry and Banking (JSCCIB), with participation from representatives of the public and private sectors of Thailand and France.

The Chairman of the Advisory Board noted that the Forum reflected the positive momentum of Thailand - France relations as the two countries commemorate the 170th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations. He highlighted the Forum as an important platform for advancing bilateral economic, trade and investment cooperation, building on the successful recent visit of the Prime Minister and his delegation to France in May 2026. He also underscored that the Joint Plan of Action 2026 - 2028, poised for signing in the coming period, will serve as a key framework for elevating Thailand - France relations to a Strategic Partnership and enhancing cooperation in future-oriented sectors, including clean energy, infrastructure and smart transportation systems, aviation and aerospace industries, digital technologies and artificial intelligence.

The Chairman of the Advisory Board reaffirmed Thailand’s readiness to facilitate investment and foster a business-friendly environment for foreign investors. He encouraged French businesses to leverage Thailand’s strengths as an economic hub and gateway to ASEAN, while exploring opportunities arising from the future Thailand - EU Free Trade Agreement (Thailand - EU FTA).