Thai workers picking berries in Finland. Photo: Facebook
During 18–22 August 2025, a Thai delegation visited Sweden and Finland to review the welfare of Thai seasonal workers in this year’s berry-picking season, according to the Department of Consular Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Thailand.
Mr. Mungkorn Pratoomkaew, Director-General of the Department of Consular Affairs, led the delegation, which held talks with the Swedish Migration Agency on 19 August and with Finnish officials, including the Director-General of the Department of Consular Affairs of Finland and the Finnish Ambassador to Thailand, on 22 August. The discussions focused on visa regulations and the protection of Thai workers under current labour laws.
This year marks the first season where both Sweden and Finland require Thai berry pickers to apply for a seasonal work visa or permit. The new system provides workers with benefits such as guaranteed minimum wage and legal protection under local labour regulations.
On 21 August, the delegation, joined by Thailand’s Ambassador to Helsinki, Mr. Worawoot Pongprapapan, visited a group of Thai workers in Harjavalta, Finland. The Department of Consular Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Thailand, reported that the workers expressed satisfaction with their conditions and benefits this year and confirmed that they were able to reach the expected berry harvest and income levels.