Thailand hosted the 4th France-Thailand Business Forum (FTBF) on June 5, 2026, bringing together leading business sectors from both countries to strengthen bilateral trade, drive mutual investment, and accelerate technological cooperation between the private and public sectors.
Co-hosted by PTT Public Company Limited (PTT), Thailand’s state-owned enterprise, the forum highlighted key strategic sectors that will drive bilateral trade between Thailand and France, including energy, digital technology, and transportation. The partnership aims to merge the expertise and technological know-how of leading French firms with Thailand’s advantages as a gateway to ASEAN, including its strategic location, integrated logistics, and skilled workforce.
Established in 2017, the FTBF serves as a vital mechanism linking the Thai private sector with the French Business Confederation (MEDEF International) and is now entering its ninth year of driving mutual trade and investment opportunities. This 4th meeting serves as a follow-up to the official visit by the Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul to Paris last week, representing a significant step forward in translating high-level diplomatic cooperation into concrete commercial results.
Expressing his appreciation for the forum, Mr. François Corbin, Vice Chairman of MEDEF International and Chairman of the FTBF, emphasized that this French delegation visit is a critical follow-up to recent diplomatic discussions. Leading a delegation of companies from sectors key to Thailand’s future—such as aerospace and infrastructure—Corbin aimed to transform high-level intent into sustainable business partnerships.
Corbin noted that while trade figures between the two nations are already significant, there remains a “strong complementarity” between Thai and French firms that has yet to be fully realized. The delegation includes companies from sectors identified as vital to Thailand’s future ambitions, including Aerospace, Transport and Infrastructure, and Digital Technologies.
The goal of the forum is not only to support existing ventures but to actively “create new partnerships” that can help Thailand achieve its long-term development goals.
When asked how the Thai government could further encourage French investment, Corbin praised the “great support” and “impressive” interaction already provided by Thai authorities, particularly the Board of Investment (BOI). However, he highlighted two key developments that would further facilitate ease of business:
- The potential signature of a Thailand-EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA).
- Thailand’s potential accession to the OECD.
These milestones are expected to create a more seamless environment for French companies looking to develop long-term relations within the country.
H.E. Mr. Jean-Claude Poimboeuf, French Ambassador to Thailand, highlighted the “dynamic momentum” currently defining bilateral relations, following the Thai Prime Minister’s recent official visit to Paris. This momentum has culminated in a Joint Action Plan (2024–2026), a roadmap designed to elevate the relationship into a full strategic partnership.
The Ambassador noted that while bilateral trade is substantial—reaching approximately 5 billion euros annually—it has remained at this level for several years. To unlock new growth, he identified two primary catalysts: structural reforms in Thailand, supported by the EU-Thailand FTA and OECD accession, and expanded cooperation in “future ecosystems” like energy transition and digital infrastructure. Drawing on 170 years of diplomatic history, Poimboeuf reaffirmed that France is a “reliable partner” ready to provide the technology and investment necessary for Thailand’s sustainable development.
Mr. Chaya Chandavasu, Representative of the FTBF Thai Co-Chair and Senior Executive Vice President at PTT, noted that this latest session attracted an unprecedented number of “non-member” Thai businesses, driven by the continuity of high-level diplomatic engagements between the two nations. This interest signals a deepening desire within the Thai private sector to integrate French expertise into Thailand’s developmental roadmap.
The dialogue centered on three strategic pillars: Energy, Transport, and the emerging frontiers of Digital technology, AI, and Quantum computing. While the Thai energy sector has already begun adopting AI, Mr. Chaya emphasised the need for French technology platforms to further optimize operations and support the future of clean energy.
A major focus of the partnership is supporting Thailand’s 2050 Net Zero goals. Mr. Chaya identified French leadership in Carbon Capture and Storage and Small Modular Reactors as vital for Thailand’s transition over the next 10 to 15 years. Beyond hardware, the collaboration involves sharing critical knowledge regarding legal frameworks and investment support to ensure the energy transition is both feasible and economically viable.
Furthermore, preliminary discussions are underway regarding LNG cooperation, leveraging European supply networks to enhance Thailand’s energy security. Supported by the ongoing Thailand-EU Free Trade Agreement negotiations, this partnership is evolving into a comprehensive alliance that blends technological exchange with strategic economic cooperation. Through these efforts, Thailand and France are building a “future-ready” ecosystem for innovation and sustainable growth.
Additionally, H.E. Dr. Parnpree Bahiddha-Nukara, Chief Advisor and Special Envoy of the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, highlighted that these consecutive engagements underscore the vast potential for deeper commercial cooperation as both nations work toward a “New Joint Plan of Action” to elevate their relationship to a full strategic partnership.
While annual trade between the two countries has held steady at approximately $4.8 billion, Dr. Parnpree expressed confidence that this figure will increase significantly through targeted cooperation in supply chain resilience and next-generation industries.
To advance these objectives, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is implementing an economic diplomacy framework based on the “three C’s”: Confidence, Competitiveness, and Collaboration. Dr. Parnpree reassured French investors that Thailand—stands ready to facilitate two-way trade and investment. By fostering these high-level dialogues, Thailand aims to build a future-ready supply chain and transform simple conversations into long-term, fruitful partnerships.
