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IN BRIEF
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He arrived in Paris the day before in the company of the queen Suthida and his daughter the princess Sirivannavari, the king Rama X was received on June 29 at the Élysée Palace by the president Emmanuel Macron and his wife for a state dinner dedicated to sealing Franco-Thai friendship. Earlier in the day, a formal ceremony at Invalids This allowed the two heads of state to review the Republican Guard, while the exchanges recalled a diplomatic history dating back to the 17th century and structured from 1856 onwards with the first treaty Franco-SiameseRadiant, Queen Suthida and Princess Sirivannavari chose versions of the Chud Thai — proof of soft power Thai cultural — and the princess, who is close to France, recently wore the Legion of Honour presented by the Minister of Culture. The dinner, bringing together political figures and prominent figures from the world of culture and luxury, punctuated a day dedicated to strengthening bilateral ties.
Rama X was celebrated during a state dinner given to theElysium, where the Queen Suthida and the Princess Sirivannavari They graced the evening with their presence and traditional attire. Having arrived in Paris the previous day with his wife and daughter, the monarch took part in a day of official ceremonies marked by a review of the troops at Invalids, historic exchanges at the presidential palace and a reception bringing together political figures and major players from the economic and cultural world.
Rama X honored at a state dinner at the Élysée Palace: Queen Suthida and Princess Sirivannavari radiated joy at this prestigious evening.
The state visit unfolded according to the usual solemn protocol: official arrival, military ceremony, and state reception. The French president and his wife hosted the King of Thailand for a dinner intended to solidify bilateral friendship. During these meetings, protocol and cultural tributes alternated with moments of remembrance, including the president’s condolences for the recent passing of a member of the Thai royal family.
Formal welcome and military symbols
Early in the day, a ceremony at Invalids allowed the two heads of state to review the Republican GuardThis military ceremony punctuated the morning before the king and the president met at theElysium for more formal interviews, particularly those focusing on the history of Franco-Thai relations.
Review and gestures of hospitality
The troop review confirmed the solemn nature of the visit and provided a backdrop for the diplomatic meetings that followed. The protocol alternated between public ceremonies and private discussions at the presidential palace, where the sharing of archives and historical documents was discussed to underscore a long-standing and continuous relationship.
Historical exchanges and diplomatic memory
The two heads of state discussed the long history of relations between France and Thailand: from the first contacts under the reign of Louis XIV and the king Narai from 1685 onwards, due to the consequences of the first Franco-Siamese treaty signed in one thousand eight hundred fifty-six under King Rama IV and Napoleon IIIThe president indicated his intention to present his guest with… archives tracing these links, bearing witness to centuries of commercial and cultural exchanges.
For a full account of the highlights of the visit, see the report on Yahoo News.
The Chud Thai: Attire, Heritage and Soft Power
Beyond the protocol, the cultural dimension was particularly visible thanks to the outfits chosen by the Queen Suthida and the Princess SirivannavariBoth wore the Chud Thai, a refined royal garment brought back into the spotlight by Queen Sirikit in the 1950s and which has become a vector of soft power for Thailand.
Elegance and meaning
The queen opted for a flesh-toned dress while the princess captivated in a blue moiré gown during public appearances, before renewing their sartorial choices for dinner with even more spectacular versions of traditional dress. These outfits symbolize both the cultural continuity and the international reach of the Thai monarchy.
More images and fashion analysis are available on Point of view and in the photo gallery of Gala.
Princess Sirivannavari’s active cultural presence
There Princess Sirivannavari, often described as “French at heart”, recently received the Legion of Honour from the hands of the Minister of Culture, an award that is part of her work promoting Thai heritage in France. She collaborated with the Museum of Decorative Arts from Paris to mount an exhibition dedicated to the royal wardrobe of Thailand, paying tribute to the work of Queen Sirikit.
To follow the princess’s cultural journey and commitments, read the testimony published on Royal Stories.
The State Dinner: Guests and Atmosphere
The evening brought together a panel of personalities from the worlds of business, fashion, and culture. Among the guests were leaders in the luxury and creative sectors, demonstrating the economic and cultural ties between the two countries.
VIP Guests
Among the guests: Bernard Arnault and his wife Hélène, Delphine Arnault, Xavier Niel, the general manager of the Pinault collection Emma Lavigne, the creator Christian Louboutin, the author Line Papin and the Muay Thai boxer Dida DiafatTheir presence underlines the importance of contemporary economic and cultural exchanges, alongside the strictly diplomatic aspect.
Photo reports and accounts of the evening can be found on Southeast Asia And Madame Le Figaro.
The signs of empathy and the personal dimension of the visit
Beyond the festivities, the visit was deeply moving. President Macron expressed his condolences for the disappearance, the June 11Princess Bajrakitiyabha’s gesture made the meeting both a diplomatic and human moment. Such gestures reinforce the symbolic significance of state visits, which blend official protocols with expressions of solidarity.
Continuation of the visit and its outcomes
After dinner, the royal delegation continued its stay in Paris, with planned stops at iconic landmarks and prestigious hotels. The visit is expected to foster cultural and commercial projects and strengthen a historical relationship that is now manifesting itself in contemporary partnerships.
More information and a detailed account of the reception can be found on Southeast Asia (royal stay) and a focus on jewelry and adornments is featured on Royal Stories.
- Arrival : Rama X, there Queen Suthida and the Princess Sirivannavari arrived in Paris the day before the dinner.
- Outfits : prominent presence of Chud Thai — flesh-colored dress for the queen, blue moiré dress for the princess.
- Stylistic evolution : more resplendent versions of Chud Thai during the state dinner.
- Soft power : ongoing tribute to the work of the queen Sirikit and promotion of the royal wardrobe.
- Distinction The princess, “French at heart,” received the Legion of Honour and co-created an exhibition at the Museum of Decorative Arts.
- Official welcome : review of the troops of the Republican Guard to Invalids.
- Meeting at the Élysée Palace : exchanges on Franco-Thai diplomatic history.
- History relations since 1685; first Franco-Siamese treaty signed in one thousand eight hundred fifty-six.
- Archives Emmanuel Macron wanted to present archives tracing these historical links.
- Dinner & Guests : presence of major economic and cultural players (among them Bernard Arnault, Delphine Arnault, Xavier Niel, Christian Louboutin) and joint speeches, with condolences for the princess Bajrakitiyabha.
FAQ — Rama X honored at a state dinner at the Élysée Palace
Q: What event brought together the French authorities and the King of Thailand?
A: On June 29, a state dinner took place at theElysium to welcome the king Rama X, who came to Paris accompanied by the Queen Suthida and the Princess SirivannavariThe visit also included official ceremonies throughout the day.
Q: What official ceremonies took place before dinner?
A: The heads of state met at Invalids for a formal ceremony during which they reviewed the troops of the Republican Guardthen had a second interview at theElysium focused on history and bilateral cooperation.
Q: What historical dimension was discussed during the visit?
A: The presidents recalled the long-standing diplomatic relationship between France and Thailand, dating back to 1685, and emphasized the importance of the first treaty. Franco-Siamese signed in one thousand eight hundred fifty-sixwhich paved the way for trade and cultural exchanges.
Q: What role did Queen Suthida and Princess Sirivannavari play during the evening?
A: The two women presented themselves dressed in Chud ThaiTraditional Thai attire. Queen Suthida wore a flesh-colored version while the Princess Sirivannavari captivated in moiré blue; at dinner they then sported more sumptuous variations of the same costume.
Q: What is the cultural significance of choosing Chud Thai?
A: THE Chud Thai refers to a soft power cultural promoted in particular by the late queen Sirikit, which contributed to the revival of this garment in the 1950s. Its renewed appreciation now serves as a cultural ambassador at international events.
Q: Does Princess Sirivannavari have any special ties with France?
A: Yes. Considered as French at heartshe received the Legion of Honour from the hands of the Minister of Culture and collaborated with the Museum of Decorative Arts from Paris for an exhibition dedicated to the royal wardrobe of Thailand.
Q: Who were among the guests at the state dinner?
A: The dinner brought together prominent figures from the worlds of business, culture, and the arts, among others. Bernard Arnault and his wife, Delphine Arnault, Xavier Niel, the general manager of the Pinault collection Emma Lavigne, the creator Christian Louboutin, the author Line Papin and the Muay Thai boxer Dida Diafat.
Q: What was said during the official speeches?
A: The President of the Republic and the King delivered speeches in support of theFranco-Thai friendshipThe president also offered his condolences for the passing of the June 11of the princess Bajrakitiyabha, eldest daughter of Rama X.
Q: Are there any expected cultural benefits following this visit?
A: The visit highlights existing cultural projects, such as the exhibition at Museum of Decorative Artsand promotes the exchange of archives and bilateral initiatives aimed at strengthening heritage and artistic ties between the two countries.
Q: How does this visit serve diplomatic relations between France and Thailand?
A: Beyond the ceremonial aspects, the King’s visit and the associated cultural events reaffirm a historical relationship based on trade agreements and cultural exchanges. The presentation of archival materials, official meetings, and media coverage strengthen political, economic, and cultural cooperation between Paris and Bangkok.