Paris: Nikornadej points out that Thailand is not taking sides amidst multipolar geopolitical issues, opening up opportunities for Thailand and France to become partners, consolidating power and reducing dependence on superpowers. He highlighted Thailand's strengths as a global food hub and suggested collaboration to further develop gastronomy.
According to Thai News Agency, Ambassador Nikorndej Plangkul, Thai Ambassador to Paris, discussed proactive diplomacy in a world undergoing technological and political changes, leading to economic diplomacy. He stated that understanding the current global context, where geopolitics is multipolar, presents opportunities for both Thailand and France. He explained that the multipolarity presents an opportunity because both countries view themselves as middle powers. Thailand should utilize this polarized world to cooperate with France as a partner, including the visit of Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and the Minister of Interior, along with deputy prime ministers and some ministers. He emphasized Thailand's readiness to communicate to France the facts: that Thailand is prepared to be a key player and not be a predetermined role as in the past. France shares Thailand's role in this polarized world; neither wants to take sides. Thailand is a friend of both China and the United States, just as France seeks to reduce its dependence on both.
Mr. Nikorndej stated that Thailand's opportunity lies in France's readiness and openness, as they are seeking friends and partners. Thailand is ready to become a reliable and dependable partner and friend. France recognizes the sincerity of Thailand's foreign policy; we have never betrayed anyone. The 340-year history of Thai-French relations, and the 170th year of diplomatic relations in 2026, reinforces the idea that Thailand and France are friends. In this uncertain global situation, with both countries viewing themselves as central powers with different strengths, Thailand will listen to France's proposals on areas of cooperation and will offer itself as a reliable strategic bridge.
The Thai Ambassador to Paris further stated that, for him, proactive communication isn't just about selling products or being a market for them, but about considering the context of mutual partnership. In the field of AI technology, where France excels in space technology, they need a trustworthy partner. As a country interested in the Indo-Pacific region, and with Thailand being one of the countries that doesn't have existing relationships with any particular nation, he believes France would be interested in Thailand. He noted that cooperation between Thailand and France is something they haven't yet discussed. Thailand is ready to be a food hub during a time of global food shortages, and France is recognized as a leading country in gastronomy. He argued that if they join hands, they won't need to depend on anyone else and will be built on trust.