On 23 February 2026, H.E. Mr. Sihasak Phuangketkeow, Minister of Foreign Affairs, held a meeting with H.E. Mr. Khaled Ahmed El-Enany Ali Ezz, Director-General of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), at UNESCO Headquarters during the Minister’s visit to Paris, the French Republic. This marked the first official meeting between the two sides since both assumed their respective positions.
The Minister congratulated the Director-General on his appointment and extended an official invitation to visit Thailand. Both sides exchanged views on geopolitical challenges and their implications for the multilateral system, as well as on UNESCO’s management and reform efforts. The Thai side also briefed the Director-General on recent developments along the Thai - Cambodian border in the context of the World Heritage Convention, and discussed Thailand’s proposal to inscribe “Chud Thai” (Thai National Costume) on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2026. For his part, the Director-General shared his policy perspectives and management vision for the Organization, and sought factual information regarding the Thai - Cambodian border situation. The Minister took the opportunity to provide comprehensive information to ensure UNESCO’s full understanding of the situation.
Thailand has been a member of UNESCO since 1 January 1949 and has played an active role in the Organization, notably hosting the UNESCO Regional Office in Bangkok in 1961. Thailand is currently home to eight World Heritage sites and six elements inscribed on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, reflecting the country’s strong cooperation with UNESCO and its continued commitment to safeguarding and promoting cultural heritage within the multilateral framework.
In addition, H.E. Mr. Sihasak Phuangketkeow, Minister of Foreign Affairs, held a bilateral meeting with H.E. Mr. Jean-Noël Barrot, the Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs of the French Republic, during the visit to Paris.
Both sides discussed ways to further strengthen their close and long-standing bilateral relations, particularly through continued exchange of high-level visits. They also explored avenues to enhance cooperation with a view to elevating relations to a “Strategic Partnership” on the occasion of the 170th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Thailand and France this year. The discussions also touched on various dimensions, including people-to-people exchanges and cultural cooperation.
The two sides also exchanged views on geopolitical challenges and security issues in Southeast Asia, including matters of shared interests. The Foreign Minister further commended France’s neutral and constructive role in promoting international peace and stability, especially with regard to the Thai - Cambodian border situation. The Foreign Minister also updated on the situation in Myanmar as well as on efforts to combat scams in the region.
Source: Ministry of Foreign Affairs
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