Anutin departs for France

7-day trip includes talks with Macron

Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul is set to meet French President Emmanuel Macron during a seven-day trip to France that began on Thursday, aiming to boost French investment in Thailand.

Speaking at Government House before flying out, Mr Anutin described the visit as a valuable opportunity to engage directly with French business leaders and investors already operating in Thailand.

He said the highlight of the trip would be an informal working dinner with Mr Macron, which he suggested could prove more productive than a formal state meeting.

Although the visit is unofficial, Mr Anutin said the delegation had been deliberately kept small in order to focus on substantive discussions.

Joining the trip are Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Ekniti Nitithanprapas, Deputy Prime Minister and Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation Minister Yodchanan Wongsawat, as well as the permanent secretary for foreign affairs, who is already in France on official business.

Mr Anutin said he was prepared to discuss issues concerning Thailand and Cambodia if Mr Macron expressed interest.

He noted that, as the official directly overseeing the matter, he had access to both security information and firsthand experience, adding that the trip provided an opportunity to explain Thailand’s position to the international community, particularly France, which he described as an influential global actor.

On economic cooperation, he said talks would focus on artificial intelligence, energy, trade enhancement and Thailand’s readiness to serve as a regional investment base.

He also pointed to France’s global leadership in fashion and brand development, saying Thailand could contribute high-quality raw materials, local wisdom and distinctive design expertise.

Mr Anutin went on to say that food security would also form part of Thailand’s message on the global stage, arguing that the country’s agricultural strengths could help build confidence among international partners.

Rejecting the idea of bargaining for concessions, he said Thailand’s approach was based on strength, preparedness and market demand rather than negotiation tactics. “We do not negotiate by asking for discounts,” he said. “Real value comes from strength and readiness, not compromise.”

Meanwhile, People’s Party leader Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut on Thursday urged Mr Anutin to invite the French president to visit Thailand.

Mr Natthaphong said that Mr Macron’s proposed stop in Thailand before attending the Francophonie summit in Cambodia in November could create an opportunity to discuss regional stability and bilateral issues between Thailand and Cambodia.

“If President Macron could visit Thailand before travelling to Cambodia, it would present a valuable opportunity for discussions on resolving border issues between the two countries,” he stated.

He added that a visit by Mr Macron could also strengthen Thailand’s international profile and encourage foreign investment, particularly in energy transition projects and infrastructure development.

Mr Natthaphong made the remarks while expressing support for Mr Anutin’s visit to France.

This year, Thailand and France mark the 170th anniversary of diplomatic relations.