France considers Thai request to help ease border tension with Cambodia

France has agreed to consider Thailand’s request to help coordinate with Cambodia in fostering a conducive environment for the resumption of bilateral negotiations over the heightened border tension, Thai government spokesman Jirayu Huangsap said.

Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra raised the issue with French President Emmanuel Macron during a telephone conversation yesterday, while expressing Thailand’s firm commitment to peaceful conflict resolution based on goodwill, ASEAN solidarity and international law.

“President Macron acknowledged Thailand’s position and said he would consider ways to coordinate with Cambodia,” the spokesman said.

Paetongtarn emphasised that mutual dialogue remains the most effective approach to achieving constructive and mutually beneficial outcomes.

She reconfirmed Thailand’s continued support for the Thai–Cambodian Joint Boundary Commission (JBC), which recently met in Phnom Penh.

On his X account, President Macron posted, in Thai and French, “I just spoke with Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra. Our countries continue to grow closer! In the face of major challenges of our time, such as the erosion of the pillars of international trade, the Thai people can count on our friendship.”

Jirayu added that Paetongtarn also highlighted Thailand’s proactive efforts to combat call centre scams and cybercrime, affirming the country’s readiness to cooperate closely with neighbouring nations and international partners, including France.

France pledged support for Thailand’s efforts in this area, he said.

The call marked the first official conversation between the two leaders since Paetongtarn assumed office.

Read : France ready to assist Cambodia and Thailand with border documents

During the discussion, the Thai premier expressed her intention to elevate Thai–French relations to a strategic partnership and welcomed a potential official visit by President Macron, during his planned attendance at next year’s Organisation Internationale de la Francophonie (OIF) Summit in Cambodia.

In return, Macron invited Paetongtarn to make an official visit to France and to attend the Paris Peace Forum.

The phone call with Macron was taken place during Paetongtarn's visit to a station site of the MRT Orange Line (East Section), Mass Rapid Transit Authority of Thailand (MRTA).