Sweden is looking to deepen its engagement with Thailand on sustainable forestry, as senior officials from the Royal Forest Department hosted a diplomatic delegation from the Embassy of Sweden for high-level discussions this week.
The meeting took place on Tuesday 25 March 2025 at the Royal Forest Department headquarters in Bangkok. Director-General Surachai Achalaboon welcomed the Swedish delegation, which included Per Linnér, Deputy Head of Mission; Chotikorn Chongjernin, Trade Officer; and Marcus Wetterskog, intern.
Also present were senior Thai forestry officials including Seksan Kuayapanik, Director of the Community Forest Management Bureau; Dr. Suwan Tangmitcharoen, Director of the Forest Research and Development Bureau; and Boonsuthee Jirawangpanich, Director of the Forest Economics Bureau.
The Swedish representatives were briefed on Thailand’s forestry landscape, including national strategies, policy frameworks and current forest conservation efforts. The visit also served as an opportunity to explore potential areas for bilateral cooperation between Sweden and Thailand in forest management and sustainable development.
According to the Royal Forest Department, the discussion contributed to preparations for the upcoming Thailand–Sweden Sustainable Development Forum, which will be held in Phrae province. The event, now in its fifth edition, is jointly organised by the Royal Thai Embassy in Stockholm and the Embassy of Sweden in Bangkok.
The forum will feature a sustainable wood architecture exhibition and a panel discussion on the development of ‘Wood Cities’, an urban planning concept that promotes the use of sustainable timber in construction and city design.
The initiative reflects growing collaboration between the two countries in advancing green innovation and sustainable resource use, particularly in the forestry sector.