PARIS, France — Their Majesties the King and Queen of Thailand received an official welcome from French President Emmanuel Macron and First Lady Brigitte Macron in Paris on Monday, marking the start of a historic state visit that reflects the close and enduring friendship between Thailand and France.
The King and Queen, accompanied by Her Royal Highness Princess Sirivannavari Nariratana Rajakanya, travelled from Le Meurice Hotel to Hôtel des Invalides, where President Macron and the First Lady welcomed the Thai royal delegation during an official arrival ceremony.
Following the welcome, the King and President Macron proceeded to the ceremonial grounds, where a guard of honour paid tribute. Thailand’s royal anthem and the French national anthem were performed before the King inspected the guard of honour. Their Majesties later greeted members of the French delegation, who were introduced by Frédéric Billet, Director of Protocol of the French Republic.
The Thai royal party then travelled to the Élysée Palace, where the King and Queen were formally received by President Macron and Brigitte Macron. The leaders posed for official photographs before holding talks in the Ambassador Room.
During the visit, Their Majesties viewed an exhibition of historic documents highlighting the long-standing relationship between Thailand and France. The display included the golden royal letter sent by King Mongkut to Napoleon III in 1861, the 1856 Treaty of Friendship, Commerce and Navigation between Siam and France, and Siam’s instrument of ratification of the treaty.
The state visit marks an important milestone in bilateral relations. It is the third state visit to France by a Thai monarch, following the visits of King Chulalongkorn and King Bhumibol Adulyadej.
The ongoing visit is especially significant as it comes 340 years after the first contact between Thailand and France in 1685 and coincides with the 170th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries in 1856. The visit is expected to further strengthen the longstanding partnership and build upon the enduring friendship between Thailand and France.
After completing the programme at the Élysée Palace, Their Majesties returned to Le Meurice Hotel in Paris, where the Thai royal delegation is staying during the state visit.
