Brigitte Macron receives the Thai royal family during State Visit

From 29 June to 1 July, Their Majesties King Maha Vajiralongkorn (Rama X) and Queen Suthida of Thailand, accompanied by Her Royal Highness Princess Sirivannavari Nariratana Rajakanya, paid a State Visit to France, where they were received by President Emmanuel Macron and First Lady Brigitte Macron.

The visit marked the current Thai monarch’s first State Visit to Europe and only the third State Visit by a Thai sovereign to France. Held during the year marking the 170th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Thailand and France, the visit also commemorated 66 years since the historic State Visit of King Bhumibol Adulyadej and Queen Sirikit to France at the invitation of President Charles de Gaulle.

The official programme began with a welcome ceremony at the Élysée Palace. The royal guests also viewed archival materials highlighting the longstanding relationship between France and Thailand before attending a State Banquet hosted by President Emmanuel Macron and First Lady Brigitte Macron.

During the visit, Princess Sirivannavari attended a reception at the Hôtel de Ville de Paris, where she signed the official guest book, describing the occasion as a meaningful continuation of the enduring friendship between Thailand and France across generations.

Their Majesties also visited the exhibition La Mode en Majesté – Royal Thai Dress: From Tradition to Modernity at the Musée des Arts Décoratifs in Paris. The exhibition celebrates the evolution of Thai royal dress while honouring the legacy of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit The Queen Mother, whose work has played a significant role in preserving and promoting Thailand’s textile heritage.

The State Visit reaffirmed the strong and longstanding partnership between Thailand and France while highlighting the importance of cultural diplomacy, historical continuity, and people-to-people ties in strengthening bilateral relations.