On 19 March 2024, Mr. Nathapol Khantahiran, Deputy Permanent Secretary for Foreign Affairs, on behalf of the Royal Thai Government, delivered opening remarks alongside H.E. Mr. Jean-Claude Poimboeuf, Ambassador of France to Thailand, for the Conference on Equal Marriage Bills in Thailand and France. The meeting was organized by the French Embassy, Ministry of Justice of France, Civil Law Initiative, and Ministry of Justice of Thailand.

DPS praised France's progress in passing equal marriage bills since 2013. He was pleased to witness the shared commitment of both Thailand and France to international values and principles of equality. He also welcomed H.E. Mr. Jean-Marc Berthon, the first French Ambassador for the rights of LGBTQ+ people, on the latter’s official visit to Thailand between 18-20 March 2024.

DPS highlighted Thailand's positive developments in promoting the rights of LGBTQ+ individuals, particularly the draft marriage equality law currently under consideration by the Thai House of Representatives. He also emphasized Thailand's commitment to working closely with France at both bilateral and multilateral levels to advance the agenda of gender equality, as well as equality across various dimensions, aiming to foster an open, inclusive and fair society that leaves no one behind.

Promoting cooperation on global issues through the exchange of best practices in human rights law and LGBTQ+ rights is one of the initiatives under the Roadmap for Thai – French Relations (2022 – 2024). This conference further underscored the robust and multidimensional bond between Thailand and France as both countries will celebrate the upcoming 340th anniversary of the first contact between Siam and France next year, as well as the 170th anniversary of the establishment of Thai-French diplomatic relations in 2026.

The Conference on Equal Marriage Bills in Thailand and France is a part of the 1st edition of Franco-Thai Week of Law and Justice, providing an opportunity for both parties to exchange knowledge and experiences on issues related to the protection and promotion of human rights.