During the three-day visit, the French president and his delegation - including his defence, economic, foreign, tourism, international trade, and finance and industrial ministers - will meet their Thai counterparts.

The top issues to be discussed include the establishment of the Thai Fashion House in Paris and further cooperation in fashion, tourism, science and technology. The government will also invite the French to participate in the International Exposition of Horticulture and Gardens for the King, “Royal Flora 2006”.

At the end of the visit, Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra and Chirac will release a communique and conduct a joint press conference.

They will also sign an agreement to enhance cooperation in postal services and related technology, said Surapong.

Meanwhile, French Ambassador to Thailand Laurent Aublin expressed optimism that Thailand would follow France’s lead by imposing a tax on airline tickets to finance development aid for poor countries.

Aublin said Thailand and 78 other countries have expressed agreement in principle over the proposal and would study it further.

Speaking to a group of reporters yesterday, Aublin said France had categorised Thailand as a “major emerging country” because of its role in air transport in the region and its strategy in combating the global HIV/Aids pandemic.

France’s parliament approved the air-ticket levy in December. It will range from one euro (Bt47) to 40 euros on flights from France, depending on the distance travelled and the class of the ticket. The levy takes effect on July 1.

Chirac has campaigned hard for an international tax on airline tickets to help fight global poverty and the topic is likely to be raised with Thaksin during his visit.