People’s Party leader Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut has suggested that Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul consider inviting French President Emmanuel Macron to visit Thailand, saying such a visit could help facilitate dialogue on Thai-Cambodian issues.
Speaking at parliament on Thursday, Mr Natthaphong said he supported the aims of the prime minister’s scheduled visit to France from Thursday to May 27.
He said the trip was both important and necessary, despite the high cost associated with a large delegation. He urged Mr Anutin to use the opportunity to clearly outline Thailand’s strategic role on the international stage.
The opposition leader said a key priority should be positioning Thailand as a stabilising anchor within Asean and as a bridge linking the regional bloc with the European Union.
He also noted that Thailand could highlight its work to meet standards set by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), particularly in enhancing transparency and addressing corruption.
Mr Natthaphong called on Mr Anutin to reassure the international community that Thailand is committed to reducing unnecessary regulations, eliminating redundant licensing requirements and advancing legislation to improve transparency.
Such measures would strengthen global confidence in Thailand’s governance and support its bid to join the OECD, he said.
Mr Natthaphong also suggested that Mr Anutin use the visit to bolster international support for Thailand. He proposed inviting President Macron to stop in Thailand ahead of his planned visit to Cambodia in November, when he is due to attend the Francophonie summit, a gathering of French-speaking nations, many of them former colonies.
“If President Macron could visit Thailand before travelling to Cambodia, it would present a valuable opportunity for discussions on resolving border issues between the two countries,” said the People’s Party leader.
He added that such a visit could also help attract foreign investment, particularly in areas such as energy transition.
Energy opportunities
Mr Natthaphong further said that the prime minister’s trip could also help to advance cooperation in energy policy. He pointed to Asean’s plan to develop a cross-border electricity grid, known as the Asean Power Grid, aimed at sharing generation among member states.
He said France had extensive experience in low-carbon electricity generation, including nuclear power, which could provide useful insights for Thailand’s energy transition.
The People’s Party believed such a transition does not require government borrowing, as it could be financed through investments from the private sector and state enterprises, said the party leader.
On Wednesday, government spokeswoman Rachada Dhnadirek said the prime minister would meet French leaders and senior figures from multiple sectors during the official visit from May 21 to 27.
The trip comes as Thailand and France mark the 170th anniversary of formal diplomatic relations this year.
Ms Rachada said the talks will focus on expanding cooperation in trade and investment, energy, transport, defence and the aviation sector.
