Their Majesties King Vajiralongkorn and Queen Suthida of Thailand concluded a significant five-day state visit to France on July 2nd, 2024, with a tour of the Airbus facilities in Toulouse. This landmark trip, which spanned from June 28th to July 2nd, was undertaken at the invitation of French President Emmanuel Macron and commemorated 170 years of diplomatic relations between Thailand and France. Notably, this marked the first state visit by a Thai monarch to France in 66 years, with the previous visit occurring in 1960 by the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej and Queen Sirikit the Queen Mother.
Aviation Focus in Toulouse
The visit to the global aviation technology hub of Toulouse offered Their Majesties a firsthand look at the aircraft manufacturing process. At the Airbus facility, the royal couple observed the final assembly line for the Airbus A350, a prominent long-range passenger aircraft. A highlight for many staff members present was the opportunity for both the King and Queen to experience the A350 Full Flight Simulator, identical to the training equipment used by commercial airline pilots.
This segment of the visit underscored King Vajiralongkorn’s well-known interest in aviation and flying. More broadly, it aligned with the strategic objectives of the state visit, which aimed to support Thailand’s development in several key areas:
- Regional Aviation Hub: Positioning Thailand as a leading aviation and logistics center in Southeast Asia, including the development of an aircraft maintenance hub.
- Tourism Support: Strengthening the foundational aviation infrastructure crucial for the long-term sustainability of Thailand’s vital tourism industry.
- Sustainable Technology: Exploring advancements in sustainable aviation technologies and hydrogen energy innovation, contributing to global carbon reduction efforts.
Royal Itinerary in France
The state visit commenced on June 28th with the arrival of Their Majesties at Paris-Orly Airport. They were greeted by Princess Sirivannavari Nariratana, Thailand’s ambassador to France, alongside senior French officials. The official welcome ceremony took place on June 29th at Les Invalides, where President Macron and First Lady Brigitte Macron extended their reception. This was followed by official discussions at the Élysée Palace and a state banquet hosted by the French President.
During these formal occasions, Queen Suthida and Princess Sirivannavari showcased various styles of Thailand’s traditional formal national dress, drawing international attention to Thai culture and fashion heritage.
Cultural and Environmental Engagements
On June 30th, Their Majesties paid their respects at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, located beneath the iconic Arc de Triomphe. Their itinerary also included a visit to Paris City Hall, where they were welcomed by the Mayor of Paris. Discussions there focused on the city’s sustainability initiatives. Following this, a boat journey along the Seine provided insights into river conservation efforts in the French capital.
While in Paris, the royal couple also visited the Musée des Arts Décoratifs to view the exhibition “La Mode en Majesté: Royal Thai Dress From Tradition to Modernity.” This exhibition, held under the patronage of Princess Sirivannavari, features royal attire worn by Queen Sirikit the Queen Mother and Queen Suthida, alongside eight traditional Thai costumes. The exhibition is scheduled to run until November 1st, 2026.
Deepening Bilateral Ties
Beyond the ceremonial aspects, the state visit was strategically designed to foster deeper collaboration and strengthen the partnership between Thailand and France. A Joint Action Plan is currently being implemented for the period 2026-2028, aimed at enhancing cooperation across a range of sectors. These include cybersecurity, economic affairs, education, scientific research, creative industries, and people-to-people exchanges.
France holds significant importance as one of Thailand’s key European partners and serves as a crucial gateway for Thailand into the broader European Union market. The successful conclusion of this state visit, marked by engagements in both cultural and industrial spheres, signifies a commitment to furthering this robust bilateral relationship.
