On 17 February 2012, Mr. Gildas Le Lidec, French Ambassador to Thailand, paid a courtesy call on Foreign Minister Surapong Tovichakchaikul to discuss ways of enhancing the comprehensive ties of cooperation between both countries.
Foreign Minister Surapong viewed Thai - French relations as moving forward in all dimensions. Cooperation activities, such as the implementation of projects under the Second Joint Plan of Action, the visit of a leading French business delegation from Mouvement des Entreprises de France (MEDEF) International, the French-Thai Cultural Festival “La F?te”, as well as other trilateral development cooperation have not only helped strengthen bilateral relations, but also proved to be beneficial to neighboring countries. Foreign Minister Surapong also briefed the Ambassador on recent developments regarding the explosions incident at Sukhumvit Soi 71 and reassured the Ambassador that the Thai Government has placed high priority to ensuring the safety and security of the general public, while at the same time, providing convenience to foreign tourists.
The French Ambassador agreed with the Foreign Minister on the progress of Thai-French relations. Regarding the Sukhumvit explosions incident, the French Embassy had not issued a travel advisory, but only advised French nationals to closely monitor a situation and follow strictly security measures announced by local authorities. Approximately 500,000 French tourists visit Thailand each year and according to the French Embassy’s record, there are around 10,000 French nationals residing in Thailand. This thus places France as the country with the third highest number of European nationals residing in Thailand, the top being British and German citizens, respectively.
For further information, please contact the Press Division, Department of Information, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Tel.02-6435170, Fax.02-6435169, E-mail: div0704@mfa.go.th