On the occasion of the 340th anniversary of the first diplomatic relations between France and Siam, the Alliance Française de Bangkok is organizing an evening entitled “ France-Thailand, a common history of 340 years “. It will take place on Thursday January 29, 2026 from 6 p.m. and will take place in two stages:
Jean-Michel Kauffmann, author of the work “ France-Thailand, a long history », which he presented to us last fall, will first share his work devoted to the history of diplomatic relations between France and Thailand, from the first official meeting in 1685 to the present day.
Then Gregory Kourilsky, representative of the French School of the Far East (EFEO) in Bangkok, will offer a conference entitled “ French orientalists in Thailand (17th-20th centuries) ».
About the book France-Thailand, a long story:
From the reception of the embassy of the Chevalier de Chaumont, envoy of Louis
Through 192 pages, five large parts and nearly two hundred illustrations, the work explores the political, cultural and human exchanges which have shaped a lasting friendship between the two countries.
This publication was produced with the support of the French Embassy in Thailand.
About the author:
A graduate in literature, linguistics and Vietnamese at INALCO, Jean-Michel Kauffmann had a long career at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs before heading several Alliances françaises, notably that of Islamabad in Pakistan. Passionate about education and Asia, he taught French and history-geography in Thailand. Author of a historical chronicle, he also offers a “ History of Siam and Thailand » offering an original look at the kingdom. His works demonstrate his deep attachment to Thai culture and history.
About the publisher:
Marc Geoffroy founded his first phonographic publishing house, France Productions, at the age of 25. In 2010, he created Éditions Soukhaspecializing in the publication of works devoted to Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam and Theravada Buddhism. An eclectic author, he has written and adapted more than a hundred texts for CD. Among his recent publications are “ The Berlin Wall: history, fall and after “, as well as the CD and book adaptation of ” The Little History of France » by Jacques Bainville.
Conference in French
Thursday January 29, 2026, at 6 p.m.
Alliance Française of Bangkok
179 Wireless Rd, Lumphini, Pathum Wan District , 10330
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The conference is free but it is better to register here:
