H.E. Mr. Srettha Thavisin, Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, accompanied by H.E. Mr. Jakkapong Sangmanee, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, and H.E. Mr. Maris Sangiampongsa, Advisor to the Minister of Foreign Affairs paid an official visit to the French Republic between 7 - 12 March 2024. France is the first country in Europe that Prime Minister Srettha travelled to on an Official Visit.

On 11 March, 2024 H.E. Mr. Emanuel Macron, President of the French Republic welcomed Prime Minister Srettha and his delegation at the Élysée Palace, the President’s official residence. Both leaders delivered statements at the Joint Press Conference, expressing their commitment to work closely, sustainably and comprehensively as partners in all areas including security, economy, politics, core values while embracing green transition and digital transformation. During their bilateral discussion, the Prime Minister also invited France to be participate as partner to his latest policy vision “Ignite Thailand”, particularly as automotive, aviation and transportation hubs in the region. In addition, both sides discussed bilateral relations in trade and investment, defence, clean energy, aviation and space technology. Thailand also requestd France’s support for expediting the Thailand-EU FTA, Schengen visa-free for Thai ordinary passport holders, and OECD membership. Both sides also exchanged views on regional issues.

During this official visit, the Prime Minister discussed with more than 20 leading French private companies in various industries, including fashion, tourism, automotive and components, aerospace, nuclear and clean energy, optical lenses and eyeglass frames, retail stores as well as Formula 1 and Formula E., all of which have yielded positive response. Thailand and France are both important investment partners. Thailand is France's third-largest trading partner in ASEAN, while France is Thailand's third largest trading partner in the EU. The Prime Minister was of the view that the value and volume of bilateral trade and investment will increase enormously, especially when both sides conclude the Thai-EU Free Trade Agreement in 2025. In addition, Thailand has already submitted a Letter of Intent for OECD’s membership, with the aim of becoming a globally competitive market-based economy that complies with international standards.

On 12 March 2024 the Prime Minister participated in the MIPIM 2024 in Cannes, where he delivered a keynote speech on the topic of “Better Infrastructure in an Age of Risk, Scarcity and Emergency”, placing the emphasis on the importance of infrastructure in driving Thailand's economic progress. He also highlighted Thailand’s ambition to become a regional aviation hub through the construction of new international airports and bolstering transportation networks. Furthermore, the Prime Minister presented the potential of the Landbridge project to further enhance maritime connectivity in the Indo-Pacific as well as the development of green energy infrastructure to ensure the easy access to renewable energy, thereby solidifying Thailand's position as a model of development and sustainability.

During the Re-Invest Summit Lunch, the Prime Minister delivered a keynote speech emphasizing Thailand’s policies and the attractiveness of the Thai real estate market, with Thailand being one of the most livable countries in the world and was poised for over 30% growth in the next five years. Prime Minister Srettha also emphasized that Thailand was fully open for business, and there has never been a better time to invest in Thailand.

Thailand and France have close historical ties for more than three centuries. Both sides will celebrate the 340th anniversary of Siam-France relations next year, and the 170th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations in the year 2026.