BANGKOK, Thailand – Thailand will welcome Swiss President Guy Parmelin and his wife on an official visit from October 15–17, marking the first visit by a Swiss president to the kingdom in 22 years and the 95th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries. The visit comes weeks after Parmelin announced he would leave Switzerland’s Federal Council on December 31, ending 11 years in government.
Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, who also serves as interior minister, will host the Swiss leader as both countries seek to expand economic ties and deepen cooperation in trade, investment, technology and innovation. Government spokesman Ekkaphop Pheanphiset said on October 14 that the visit would provide an important opportunity to strengthen bilateral relations and develop cooperation that delivers tangible benefits to both countries.
Discussions are expected to cover trade and investment promotion, the Thailand–European Free Trade Association (EFTA) free trade agreement, science and technology, innovation, human resource development and climate action. The two sides will also exchange views on cooperation through ASEAN and other multilateral frameworks, alongside regional and global developments.
The official program on Thursday, October 15, will include a formal welcoming ceremony, a restricted meeting between the leaders, plenary talks between the two delegations, a joint press conference and a luncheon in honor of the Swiss president.
Ekkaphop said the government viewed closer ties with Switzerland as an opportunity to expand Thailand’s economic and development prospects, particularly through investment, technological cooperation, innovation and skills development.
The visit comes as Thailand and Switzerland mark 95 years of diplomatic relations in 2026, offering an opportunity to strengthen longstanding ties and explore new avenues for cooperation.
Thailand and Switzerland established diplomatic relations in 1931.
