The suggestion came as Ambassador Poimboeuf and his delegation from the French Embassy in Bangkok paid a courtesy visit to Phuket Governor Sophon Suwannarat at Phuket Provincial Hall today (Jan 24).
The governor welcomed Ambassador Poimboeuf and his delegation, and the group discussed cooperation between Phuket and France in terms of trade, investment and tourism, said an official report of the meeting.
Governor Sophon expressed enthusiasm for fostering closer ties between the two regions and assured the French delegation of the province’s commitment to supporting and caring for French residents and visitors.
"The Phuket provincial government and the private sector are ready to enhance cooperation with France in various areas of potential. We are committed to providing assistance and support to the French community in Phuket through close collaboration with provincial police, tourist police, immigration, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs,” he said.
Some 480,000 French tourists travelled to Thailand from January through November last year, said the report, marking the fourth-highest number among European tourists, after Russia, the United Kingdom and Germany.
Ambassador Poimboeuf thanked Phuket officials and emphasised the importance of Phuket’s role in caring for French tourists. He pledged support and the building of strong relationships between France and Thailand in various sectors, particularly in the realm of public transportation.
If Phuket wants to consult on mass transit systems, such as the development of light rail, France would be happy to support data and innovation, he said, according to the official report.
Ambassador Poimboeuf pointed out that Phuket was already a sister city to Nice, and encouraged Phuket to apply for participation in the third UN Ocean Conference in June 2025. The conference will be jointly chaired by the governments of France and Costa Rica, focusing on environmental protection and sustainable tourism.
In addition to diplomatic discussions, Phuket highlighted its upcoming tourism events, including the Phuket Vegetarian Festival in October (Oct 3-11) and hosting ‘The 4th International Contemporary Art Fair Thailand Biennale 2025’.
“These events aim to showcase Phuket’s natural and cultural assets, with the province being registered as a creative food city, boasting a rich tradition of culinary culture and cultural exchange.” the report concluded.