France honors National Day extravagantly in Bangkok, commemorating 340 years of relationship with Siam
In the heart of Bangkok, the French Embassy hosted a grand reception at the Eastin Grand Hotel Phayathai on Monday evening, commemorating France's National Day. The event, presided over by Jean-Claude Poimboeuf, Ambassador of France to Thailand, highlighted key areas of cooperation between the two nations, particularly during President Emmanuel Macron's visit in November 2022.
Ambassador Poimboeuf began his address by reflecting on the long-standing friendship between France and Thailand, tracing it back to a 1685 diplomatic mission. In recent years, this friendship has been further energised by official visits, including those of President Macron and former Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin.
The leaders agreed to elevate the relationship to the level of a strategic partnership, focusing on key areas of cooperation. These include defence and security, infrastructure development, space technology, and the energy transition. Enhancing collaboration on defence and security matters has been a significant focus, with potential joint military exercises and strategic partnerships to address regional security challenges.
Both countries aim to improve and expand infrastructure, potentially through joint projects and investments in transportation networks and other public works. France and Thailand are also working together on the energy transition, focusing on sustainable energy solutions and supporting Thailand's efforts towards reducing carbon emissions. This includes investments in renewable energy and green technologies.
There is also a focus on cooperation in space technology, which could involve joint research projects, satellite development, or other space-related innovations. These areas of cooperation not only reflect the strategic partnership between France and Thailand but also highlight the shared goals of sustainable development and technological advancement.
A new bilateral action plan is being finalised to advance these shared objectives. Among the guests were diplomats and VIPs, including H.E. Peter B. Wells, Apostolic Nuncio to Thailand, H.E. Millicent Paredes, Ambassador of the Philippines, H.E. Catherine Wong Siow Ping, Ambassador of Singapore, H.E. Astrid Emille Helle, Ambassador of Norway, and H.E. Luís Manuel de Magalhães de Albuquerque Velos, Ambassador of Portugal.
Business titans Dr Somsak Leeswadtrakul and Thapana Sirivadhanabhakdi also attended the reception. Thapana Sirivadhanabhakdi, CEO of Thai Beverage Plc, was among the notable attendees.
Ambassador Poimboeuf and Lalivan Karnchanachari, Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs, raised a toast during the French National Day ceremony. Robert F. Godec, US Ambassador to Thailand, extended congratulations to Ambassador Poimboeuf, further emphasising the spirit of international camaraderie at the event.
As the evening concluded, it was clear that the ties between France and Thailand remain strong, underpinned by cooperation in key areas such as defence, infrastructure, energy transition, and space. The French National Day celebrations in Bangkok served as a testament to the enduring friendship and strategic partnership between the two nations.
The speech delivered by Ambassador Poimboeuf, reflecting on the history of France-Thailand relations, highlighted the evolution of the friendship to a strategic partnership, particularly focusing on defense and security, infrastructure development, space technology, and energy transition. During the French National Day celebrations, ambassadors of various nations were present, signifying the international camaraderie and general news of strengthening ties between nations.
