While Thailand’s Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra and her predecessor Srettha Thavisin share the aim of attracting more investment to Thailand, the two leaders represent distinctly different leadership styles, said France’s Ambassador to Thailand, Jean-Claude Poimboeuf.
Describing Srettha as results and action-oriented, the ambassador noted that Paetongtarn’s style differs and that she has less experience. “Srettha comes from the business sector, and his way of doing things, I think, is inspired by his whole life as a businessman—very practical,” Poimboeuf noted.
Speaking of PM Paetongtarn’s style, the ambassador said, “She’s much younger, but we hope that, since it’s still early days, we can build, with her and her government, the same strong relations, to achieve results for bilateral relations,” Poimboeuf said in an exclusive interview with Thai PBS World.
The ambassador also pointed out that these relations date back to the first French mission to Siam 340 years ago and that commemorative events are planned to span two years, as 2026 will mark the 170th anniversary of official diplomatic relations.
A new logo, featuring Paris’ Eiffel Tower and Bangkok’s Wat Arun, has been unveiled to celebrate the enduring friendship.
The ambassador emphasised France’s support for Thailand’s participation in international organisations, such as the Human Rights Council in Geneva, and its application for accession to the OECD.
He also noted ongoing cooperation in innovation, particularly in aviation and space technology, as France declared 2023 the year of innovation.
“France has provided satellites to advance technology in space and is willing to extend cooperation in aviation. It is important to hasten collaboration in science and AI. France will host a summit next month, and we hope Thailand will be represented at a high level,” he said.
Poimboeuf remarked that Thailand has always balanced its relations with global powers, recalling how Siam navigated competing interests between the UK and France during colonial times. He said modern Thailand will likely maintain its balanced approach amid tensions between China and the US.
On France’s Indo-Pacific strategy, adopted in 2018, the ambassador emphasised its non-confrontational nature, stressing France’s economic and security interests in the region, which include significant French communities and territories in the Indian Ocean and the Pacific.
The ambassador also highlighted his country’s focus on ASEAN, as the bloc represents a lot of opportunities for business and economic growth, adding that France is partnering with each country in the organisation with promising policies.
He noted, however, that the protracted conflict in Myanmar is the bloc’s most pressing issue, likening it to Cambodia’s troubles in the 1980s. He stressed the urgency for ASEAN countries to find a resolution.
“There was no peace agreement in the 1980s. I was here when we began the peace process, which led to the Paris Peace Agreements in October 1991. The Myanmar issue today is comparable to Cambodia’s situation then, and ASEAN must find a way forward,” he concluded.
Full interview on The Ambassador:
