Their Majesties in France as both countries celebrate 170 years of diplomatic ties

Their Majesties the King and Queen of Thailand will meet French President Emmanuel Macron this evening, as Thailand and France commemorate the 170th anniversary of diplomatic ties this year. Their Majesties are scheduled to visit Hôtel des Invalides today, before attending dinner with Macron at the Élysée Palace, according to the Thai government. At the invitation of France, the Thai monarch arrived in Paris yesterday for a state visit, commemorating 170 years of diplomatic ties and 340 years since both nations initiated informal contact, according to the Thai Bureau of the Royal Household. They are were greeted by HRH Princess Sirivannavari Nariratana Rajakanya and French Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez upon arrival. Since the Chakri Dynasty was established in 1782, only three Thai Kings have paid an official state visit to France, including King Chulalongkorn, King Bhumibol Adulyadej and the current King Vajiralongkorn, according to the bureau. Before departing for Thailand on Thursday, Their Majesties are scheduled to visit the Arc de Triomphe, the River Seine and will travel to Toulouse to be briefed about current aircraft development at Airbus.