The prime minister will embark on another official overseas trip tomorrow, this time to three countries: France, Italy, and Japan, Radklao Inthawong Suwankiri, a deputy government spokeswoman, said today.
In France, he will lead a team of Thai businessmen to attend the Thailand-France Business Forum, which was initiated during Srettha’s official visit to Paris in March. The forum is expected to promote bilateral trade and more French private sector investment in Thailand, she said.
Srettha will meet with French President Emmanuel Macron, to follow up on several areas of cooperation, especially trade and investment, the defence industry and soft power.
The leaders will also discuss the upgrading of the bilateral relationship to strategic partners, as mentioned in the Thai-French relationship roadmap 2022-2024.
His official visit to Italy, between May 17 and 21, will include a meeting with Italy’s prime minister Giorgia Meloni to discuss Thai-Italian ties, which are celebrating the 156th anniversary of diplomatic relations this year.
The Thai premier will push for Schengen visa exemption for Thai passport holders, as well as the Thai-EU Free Trade Area, so that it can become effective next year.
Srettha will talk to Attilio Fontana, president of the Lombardy Region, about the possibility of Lombardy recruiting Thai workers who had to return home due to the war in Gaza. He will also meet Carlo Capasa, president of the National Chamber of Italian Fashion.
On May 22, Srettha will travel to Japan. During his three-day official trip, he will attend the 29th Nikkei Forum, entitled “Future of Asia,” in Tokyo. The forum’s theme is “Asian Leadership in an Uncertain World.”
