On 21 March 2025, H.E. Mrs. Lalivan Karnchanachari, Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs, together with H.E. Mr. Jean-Claude Poimboeuf, French Ambassador to Thailand, and Associate Professor Khunying Wongchan Pinainitisart, Vice-President of the Association of French Teachers of Thailand, presided over and delivered opening remarks at the “Seminar Commemorating 340 Years of Franco - Thai relations,” at Vithes Samosorn.

The seminar was jointly organized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs together with the French Embassy in Bangkok and the Association of French Teachers of Thailand under the Royal Patronage of Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn. It was part of a series of celebratory activities this year, marking the 340th anniversary of the first contact between Siam and France in 2025, as well as the 170th anniversary of the establishment of Thai-French diplomatic relations in 2026. In attendance were over 400 guests from various agencies, students, and the general public, both Thai and French citizens.

The event featured exhibitions covering a range of topics, such as historical ties, education, language, economy, arts and culture. The seminar included discussions by Thai and French experts on 3 main themes: (1) Two Cultural Perspectives on Thai-French Relations: Three Centuries of History; (2) The Influence of Soft Power and the Development of Cultural Heritage on the Global Stage; and (3) Food and Tourism Industries in Thailand and France.

The Seminar Commemorating 340 Years of Franco-Thai Relations highlighted the long-standing and robust ties between the two countries across various fields. Furthermore, it provided an opportunity for both sides to exchange views and ideas, as well as explore opportunities to expand cooperation in mutually beneficial areas, which will further deliver tangible benefits for the peoples of both countries.