On 14 May 2024, Mrs. Eksiri Pintaruchi, Permanent Secretary for Foreign Affairs, participated in a press conference on the Celebration of the Auspicious Occasion of “100 Years of the Aura of King Prajadhipok among Thai Students in France” together with representatives from concerned agencies, including, Dr. Sumet Tantivejkul, Ph.D., Secretary-General of the Chaipattana Foundation; Mrs. Kanchana Sripattha, Director of the King Prajadhipok Museum; Ms. Premika Sucharitkul, President of the French Former Students Association under the Royal Patronage of HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn; Mr. Siraveth Sukhanetr, Secretary General of “AAEF 2024 - Best Alumni Awards”; and Mrs. Eve Lubin, Counsellor, French Embassy in Bangkok.

The Permanent Secretary highlighted the importance of Siha Banchon, which is enshrined at Vithes Samosorn, as a symbol of long-standing Thai-French relations. It is a replica of Siha Banchon inside Sanphet Prasat Throne Hall in Ayutthaya Historical Park, Ayutthaya province. It was at this location that the French Envoy presented the royal letter from His Majesty King Louis XIV to King Ramathibodi III (Narai) in 1685.

She also emphasized the dynamic relations between Thailand and France, with a constant exchange of high-level visits of both sides as evidenced by the visit of H.E. Mr. Emmanuel Macron, President of France, to Thailand in November 2022 to attend the APEC Economic Leaders’ Week as Guest of the Chair as well as the official visit of H.E. Mr. Srettha Thavisin, Prime Minister, to France in March 2024. The Prime Minister is also scheduled to pay another visit to France in May this year. Furthermore, the year 2025 marks the 340th anniversary of the first contact between Siam and France.

The Celebration of the Auspicious Occasion of “100 Years of the Aura of King Prajadhipok among Thai Students in France” will be held on 31 May 2024 at Ministry of Foreign Affairs to express gratitude for His Majesty King Prajadhipok’s benevolence, as well as to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the graduation of His Majesty King Prajadhipok, who was the first Thai student to graduate from École de Guerre, Paris, France, when he was His Royal Highness Prince Prajadhipok Sakdidej, Prince of Sukhothai. The Ministry is delighted to announce that Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn will graciously preside over the opening ceremony to mark this auspicious occasion.