SweCham team had the opportunity to go to the C asean Forum (CaF 2023) at the C asean Auditorium, CW Tower. < Back SweCham Team at CaF 2023 ‘Master Plan on ASEAN Connectivity: Strategy for Change’ 22 May 2023 On 17 May 2023, the SweCham team had the opportunity to go to the C asean Forum (CaF 2023) at the C asean Auditorium, CW Tower. Inspired by the Masterplan on ASEAN Connectivity 2025, the first edition of the CaF was opened by the C asean Chairman Mr Thapana Sirivadhanabhakdi and featured a hybrid forum on the ‘Master Plan on ASEAN Connectivity: Strategy for Change,’ to unlock more extensive opportunities for trade, investment, and socio-economic development not only in Thailand but across the ASEAN region. The forum featured several speakers. Mr Lim Chze Cheen, Director of ASEAN Connectivity Division, the Secretary-General at the ASEAN Secretariat, spoke on the masterplan on ASEAN connectivity (MPAC): transforming ASEAN to a highly integrated and cohesive economy. Mr Roongrote Rangsiyopash, CEO and President of SCG, discussed connecting ASEAN with digital logistics and supply chain solutions. H.E. Mr Hun Saroeun, Ambassador, the Royal Kingdom of Cambodia discussed the acceleration of ASEAN connectivity with the new deep sea port and new airport of Cambodia. H.E. Mr Pham Quang Vinh, President of Vietnam – USA Society, spoke about Vietnam’s contribution to sustaining the ASEAN connectivity. Finally, Mr Tony Fernandes, Co-founder and Group Executive Officer of AirAsia,spoke on ASEAN connectivity for harmonisation and efficient resource utilisation. Furthermore, the forum was a great opportunity to network and discuss different ways that connectivity can be implemented in the ASEAN region following the inspiring speaker sessions. Previous Next

On 24 July, the SweCham Team attended an anti-corruption conference organised by the Office of the Public Sector Anti-Corruption Commission (PACC) in collaboration with the Research and Consulting Institute of Thammasat University. < Back Combating Corruption: Strategies for Improving Thailand’s Corruption Perceptions Index 30 Jul 2024 On 24 July, the SweCham Team attended an anti-corruption conference organised by the Office of the Public Sector Anti-Corruption Commission (PACC) in collaboration with the Research and Consulting Institute of Thammasat University. Industry representatives and pertinent stakeholders, both domestic and international, were brought together to raise awareness of strategies to improve Thailand’s Corruption Perceptions Index assessment, indicating a pressing need to address the country's corruption situation. Key discussions included the introduction of blockchain and AI technologies as innovative solutions to minimise unwanted behaviour and enhance transparency. Previous Next

The SweCham team had the pleasure of attending the 'Career Development to Secure Your Future' event hosted by the Sweden Alumni Network Thailand (SANT).  The event was a resounding success, featuring a panel of distinguished speakers < Back Unlock Your Career Potential: Experts Insights from IKEA, CGP, and Alfa Laval 22 Nov 2023 The SweCham team had the pleasure of attending the 'Career Development to Secure Your Future' event hosted by the Sweden Alumni Network Thailand (SANT). The event was a resounding success, featuring a panel of distinguished speakers, namely: Mr. Christian Dassonville, Country HR Manager, IKEA Thailand Mr. Wipawat Panityothin, Director, Permanent Recruitment, CGP Thailand Mr. Prasit Sriadsadawutthakul, Vice President Food and Water, Alfa Laval SEA The speakers shared their insights on various employment trends, strategies for crafting CVs, interview tactics, and navigating salary negotiations within Thailand's dynamic labour market. Attendees gained valuable knowledge about emerging trends, including the significance of digital innovation and the impact of artificial intelligence on future job roles. The discussion highlighted the essential balance between hard and soft skills, noting that the ability to adapt to a changing environment is paramount. A lively discussion ensued on the topic of salaries and benefits, illuminating the differences across industries. Mr. Christian Dassonville pointed out that IKEA in Thailand offers paternity leave, which is not commonly provided in Thailand. This stance sparked further dialogue among the participants, who underscored the importance of salary and company culture, emphasising that personal priorities play a crucial role when choosing between salary and benefits. In the pursuit of career progress, the speakers emphasised the importance of staying up to date with industry trends, understanding the profound effects of technology on employment, and how one effectively markets oneself as a viable candidate in the job market. SweCham would like to thank SANT for organising such a great event for everyone to gain insights from top-tier professionals. We look forward to joining more upcoming events organised by SANT and Team Sweden in the near future! Previous Next

On 25 July, SweCham team gathered for an exciting team building activity at Puzzle Room Bangkok and a delicious dinner at Mexicano at the Rembrandt Hotel! < Back Unlocking the Power of Teamwork! 8 Aug 2023 On 25 July, SweCham team gathered for an exciting team building activity at Puzzle Room Bangkok and a delicious dinner at Mexicano at the Rembrandt Hotel! The team building afternoon highlights the importance of teamwork which we recognised as a crucial skill. With each challenge faced during the game, our team members have collaborated to successfully solve the problem. Through the challenge, we practiced working, communicating, and solving problems as a team. Afterwards, we headed over to the Rembrandt Hotel, which has been a long-standing valued member of SweCham, and enjoyed their famous Mexicano restaurants for dinner. Certainly, we could not miss out on Taco Tuesday and it was absolutely delightful! The team building afternoon was an absolute success, leaving us with lasting memories of laughter, bonding, and shared achievements. Here’s to the strength of teamwork and the joy of creating unforgettable moments together! To explore other events and activities from the SweCham, please visit swecham.com . Previous Next

The article ‘Presidents on the move’ by Christer Nilsson from STEP highlights the distinct perspectives of former SweCham presidents Khun Anders Lundquist and Khun Rolf Granstrom. < Back Reflecting on Progress: Insights from SweCham's Past and Present Leaders in STEP Magazine 15 Aug 2024 ‘Presidents on the move’ by Christer Nilsson from STEP Magazine Vol. 3/No. 17, December 1994 Anders Lundquist has been the Chamber's President from its founding in 1990. Now he has left the post. He feels that a small Chamber like Sweden's really can make a difference in the competitive Thai market, fighting for attention with Americans and Japanese. But he asks the members to use their Board more actively. And he would not mind to see the Chamber take on external assignments. What has the Chamber achieved during its short existence? "We have grown from a small to a middle-sized Chamber with, what I trust a good reputation here. The Thai government has recognized our existence and its representatives like to hear our view in important issues," says Anders Lundquist. "However, in key issues things doesn't happen overnight," adds Anders Lundquist, "so in that respect one may feel we have not achieved very much as yet." In such matters, where big issues are discussed with the Government, the Foreign Chambers of Commerce in Thailand work together. "And sometimes this produces rapid results. Like when we got rid of the tax clearance certificate rule. We in the Foreign Chambers met with Anand Panyarachun during his first term as Prime Minister. He wanted to hear our views on business and we boiled down our long, long list of construvtive ideas. One request was: Get rid of the ridiculous rule that says we need a tax clearance certificate every time we leave Thailand!" Anand listened and promised to do something about it. Two weeks later the rule was scrapped. And from a practical point of view, what has the Chamber done for its members? "We have strengthened our service with information and assistance to newcomers in Thailand. They need advice on how to set up business here, where to get an accountant, meet a bank, which people to contact and so on. It is important that they are right on track from the very beginning." But Anders Lundquist feels that more can be done in this field. First by the members themselves: "Use our Board more! We have a very competent and experienced Board, with representatives from all fields of business and they are happy to serve you. Don't hesitate to call them when you need business advice.” Secondly the Chamber could do more by offering more: "We have an excellent dialogue and good cooperation with the Swedish Embassy in Bangkok. Still, I wonder whether not the time is ripe now to let the Chamber take on assignments from members and Swedish companies interested in this market." The 50 somewhat Swedish companies here represent a good local knowledge base for such ventures. Many of those companies came here during Anders Lundquist's Presidency. "And they have three things in common. First: they view Thailand as the gateway to 'Mainland Asean' including Indochina and Burma. Second: They invest in human resources and hardware. 18 Swedish companies in Thailand are in manufacturing. Third: They position themselves towards Indochina. We have 20 Swedish companies in Vietnam now and some of them began their Vietnam business through Thailand, like ABB and SKF to mention two of the most well-known." Will Sweden's EU-membership have any impact on Thai-Swedish trade? "Not directly. It will of course mean that Thailand will have more confidence in Sweden than had we stayed outside the EU. Then Sweden must follow EU's quota system, but the Thais have always been able to solve quota problems in a practical way. I don't think we will have a problem there." And more generally speaking? "Sweden in EU will mean that we get more influence and can participate in the EU process. And our government can more easily impose unpopular measures to restructure Sweden's economy, simply because EU will demand certain things to be done." This in turn means that foreign investors can trust Sweden. "Foreign business can have confidence in Sweden now. The EU-membership should increase foreign investment in Sweden, which is quite competitive now, maybe also from Thailand where we have companies and people with a lot of investment capital." Thai interest in Sweden has also been created through the Chamber's various functions. Like the luncheons and dinners and our fact-finding missions. "We may not have had that many functions. But those we have had have been quality events with excellent and influential speakers: leading politicians, economists and businessmen," says Anders Lundquist. "And we were the first Chamber to ever send a trade mission to Vietnam. This and our trips to Kambodja, Laos and Kunming in southern China has given us important firsthand knowledge, high-level contacts and added prestige to our Chamber." "We have got a new Board of Governors. Its made up of professionals representing the best from the business community in Thailand. It's important to have them here and I look forward to get contributions, ideas and feedback from new and old Board members," says Rolf Granstrom. He asks all members to get more active and to really use the various committees in the Board. "We produce results by being active and I want to see an inflow of ideas from the committees and our members." Some of the Chamber's functions are open to all interested parties, and that message has not reached people, believes Rolf Granstrom. "Our luncheons and dinners are open to all. Not just to Chamber members," emphasises Rolf Granstrom. "There are some misunderstandings here and that's a pity given the very good speakers we have at our functions." "Maybe we have an 'image problem' in that the Chamber is not as visible and known in Bangkok as we would like. We have to find some way to rectify that," continues Rolf Granstrom. One way to get more attention and publicity in town is to create more joint arrangements between the Scandinavian Chambers, the Scandinavian Society, our Embassy and the Swedish Church, believes Rolf Granstrom. I would also like to see our Embassy work even harder to get more high-ranking politicians and officials to visit Thailand. Thai will help Sweden get the attention the country so will deserves. And such visits are definitely good for business as well." What is your opinion on a 'Scandinavian Chamber of Commerce"? "On the administrative level it's good that we share facilities and bring down the costs. And this works fine. But I think each Chamber should be on its own and represent its country when it comes to business. It's more likely that we will see a EU Chamber here some time, rather than a Scandinavian one. " And the Chamber's role, should it for instance take on market consultancy assignments? "We have never done it as far as I know. Traditionally the Embassy has taken the paid external assignments while the Chamber has worked for the members only. Anyway, I would like to avoid a situation where we compete directly with our Embassy." Previous Next

We were delighted to have Mr. Anders Wahlström, Regional General Manager Asia & Pacific of Scandinavian Airlines System (SAS), visit the SweCham office yesterday.  < Back Big thanks to SAS for visiting us at the SweCham office 2 Nov 2023 We were delighted to have Mr. Anders Wahlström, Regional General Manager Asia & Pacific of Scandinavian Airlines System (SAS), visit the SweCham office yesterday. Your presence was greatly appreciated, and we would like to express our gratitude for your time and insights. ✈️ It was such a great opportunity to learn more about the long history between SAS and Thailand, and we are delighted to learn more details about the return of SAS direct flights from Bangkok and the first SAS direct flights from Bangkok to Scandinavia in the past few days. Additionally, it was a great pleasure to have productive discussions and explore potential ways for future collaboration with you. Once again, thank you for taking the time to meet with us. We are excited about the opportunities ahead and appreciate your commitment to strengthening our connection. Want to learn more about SAS? Visit SAS at www.flysas.com/th-en/ Previous Next

On Wednesday, April 23rd, our Executive Director, Khun Anna Olsson-Moore, had the distinct pleasure of visiting AXIS Communications, a recognized industry leader in video surveillance and innovative network solutions for security, safety, operational efficiency, and business intelligence. < Back Explore Potential Collaborations with AXIS Communications! 23 Apr 2025 On Wednesday, April 23rd, our Executive Director, Khun Anna Olsson-Moore, had the distinct pleasure of visiting AXIS Communications , a recognized industry leader in video surveillance and innovative network solutions for security, safety, operational efficiency, and business intelligence. We would like to express our sincere appreciation to Khun Chonpisit Payamongkol , Key Account Manager, and Khun Suphawaporn Siriudomdetkul , National Sales Manager, Thailand, for their warm welcome at the AXIS office. We were truly impressed by the opportunity to explore and learn about your innovative solutions and eagerly anticipate potential collaborations in advancing Thailand's innovations and surveillance safety together. Previous Next

The Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB) organised the TCEB Strategic Direction 2024 event, titled ‘Driving Thailand Forward as High-Value Added MICE’, at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center in Bangkok. < Back TCEB Strategic Direction 2024: Event Recap 25 Oct 2023 On 24 October, the Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB) organised the TCEB Strategic Direction 2024 event, titled ‘Driving Thailand Forward as High-Value Added MICE’, at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center in Bangkok. SweCham President Peter Björk participated alongside other JFCCT representatives. In addition to TCEB executives and staff, many organisations in the MICE industry were present, including PATA, TICA, THA, and several airlines. During the event, TCEB executives presented new trends in the MICE industry and discussed how Thailand can reposition itself to compete globally in an ever-changing world, building upon Thailand's existing competitive advantages. The discussion highlighted that Generation Z business travellers will significantly influence the industry, driving new trends and expectations. They will opt for shorter and more frequent trips with a focus on value and results. Technological advancements, including AI, will be utilised to enhance efficiency and effectiveness, making innovation a key factor. MICE events are increasingly viewed as essential business events, empowering employees to fully understand their organisation's vision, values, and culture, shaping a positive perception of the organisation among customers. Regional targets will become more important than global scale, and sustainability practices will be essential. Additionally, TCEB presented a comprehensive survey on factors that matter when choosing destinations, including safety, value for money, readiness of facilities, and local community support. Thailand leads in categories such as value for money, the country's brand image, and readiness of accommodation. However, there is a need to catch up in areas such as technology advancement, high-value destination offerings, and sustainability. The event also discussed transforming Thailand for the future, utilising the country's flagship industries such as food security, creative soft power, health tech innovations, and urban quality of life (QOL) and mobility. Exciting times lie ahead as Thailand navigates these transformative strategies. To watch a recorded video, please visit https://lnkd.in/gHrV5nbp Youtube: https://lnkd.in/gcs29eCv More details of MICE at https://lnkd.in/fYTU6mv Previous Next

We extend our warm farewell to Martin Eriksson, who has completed his internship with us as Media, Communications & HR Intern. < Back Farewell to Our Media, Communications & HR Intern, Martin Eriksson 3 Nov 2025 We extend our warm farewell to Martin Eriksson , who has completed his internship with us as Media, Communications & HR Intern. Martin quickly became a valued part of the SweCham team. With his positive energy, thoughtful approach to work, and natural ability to connect with people, he contributed not only to our communications and events, but also to the welcoming atmosphere within our office and community. His sense of humor and openness helped bring colleagues, members, and partners together in an effortless and genuine way. Throughout his time here, Martin supported key activities with dedication and reliability, always ready to take on new challenges and learn from each experience. His work and presence have made a meaningful impression on the team. We are grateful for his contributions and the spirit of collaboration he brought with him. We are confident that he will continue to excel in his future endeavors and carry forward the warm, engaging communication style that has become his signature. Thank you, Martin — we wish you every success in your next chapter, and we hope to see you again soon. Previous Next

SweCham was pleased to participate in CanCham’s Crystal Ball Economic Outlook & Business Luncheon 2026. < Back SweCham Joins CanCham’s Crystal Ball Economic Outlook 2026 15 Jan 2026 SweCham was pleased to participate in CanCham’s Crystal Ball Economic Outlook & Business Luncheon 2026 , held on 14 January 2026 at The Landmark Bangkok. The event brought together leading industry experts and senior professionals to provide early insights into global and Thai economic trends, as well as the outlook for 2026–2027. The program offered a high-level perspective on anticipated business developments across key industries, enabling participants to gain valuable foresight at the start of the year. A key highlight of the luncheon was an engaging panel discussion, during which industry leaders shared their perspectives on the evolving economic and business landscape. The discussion provided meaningful insights for executives, decision-makers, and professionals across sectors, while also encouraging thoughtful dialogue and exchange among attendees. SweCham extends its appreciation to CanCham for hosting a forward-looking and insightful event that fostered knowledge-sharing, networking, and informed discussion on the year ahead. Previous Next

To keep you updated with Thailand's economy, a summary of the World Bank's Thailand Monthly Economic Monitor, September 2023 has been prepared for you. < Back Thailand’s economy experienced a slow but steady revival, primarily driven by private consumption 28 Sept 2023 As for the general economy, it gradually continues to recover. The main driver being increased private consumption, a strong labour market and a moderately recovering tourism sector. However, the situation is different when it comes to goods exports. Goods exports declined with 5.5% (year-on-year), making it the tenth consecutive month of contraction. The major reason behind the contraction this month being a decline in both manufacturing and agricultural exports. When it comes to the outlook for Foreign Direct Investments (FDI), it has mainly been supported by the economic recovery and investment promotion efforts. There is an increased interest in certain targeted industries such as electronics, food processing, and the automotive sector in which the electronic vehicle supply chain stands out. The inflation continues to be very low, though a minor increase was seen in August. The reason behind the increase being rising energy and food prices. As seen from the first ten months, fiscal consolidation has progressed at a slow pace due to the implementation of energy subsidies. However, the central government's fiscal deficit decreased to 4.3% of GDP, compared to 6.2% in the same period last year. As for the public debt, it remained stable at 61.7% of GDP as of July. Regarding the newly formed government, they have set up policy priorities that aim to stimulate household spending. This includes a provided one-time transfer of 10 000 THB via digital wallets to all individuals aged 16 and above. This, together with additional cuts in energy prices, and by postponing debt repayments for (1) farmers; (2) small and medium enterprises; and (3) individuals for three years, all serves the purpose to reduce the cost of living in the country. However, some of these efforts would lead to increased fiscal costs. Lastly, Thailand´s current account balance recorded a deficit of 1.1% of GDP in July due to a declining goods trade surplus and increased deficits in services, primary and secondary income. Read the full report at: https://documents1.worldbank.org/curated/en/099345209202319955/pdf/IDU080f2279a09ced04ba90ace20f6e79dbc8d51.pdf Previous Next

SweCham executive director, Dr Pojanath Bhatanacharoen, along with the team joined the Executive Directors and Chambers Management Luncheon Meeting organised by the Joint Foreign Chambers of Commerce in Thailand (JFCCT). < Back Foreign Chambers of Commerce Continue our Cooperation Through the JFCCT 30 Jun 2023 On 27 June, our executive director, Dr Pojanath Bhatanacharoen, along with the team joined the Executive Directors and Chambers Management Luncheon Meeting organised by the Joint Foreign Chambers of Commerce in Thailand (JFCCT) at Anantara Siam Hotel. The aim of the meeting is to share updates on JFCCT Committees, future events, and initiatives to which foreign chambers of commerce in Thailand and chambers’ members could contribute and support further. At the meeting, JFCCT Chairwoman, Mrs Vibeke Lyssand Leirvåg, JFCCT Vice Chairs, Dr Supareak Charlie Chomchan and Mr Ravi Sehgal, together with Chair of Sustainable Development Committee, Mr Lars Svensson, Chairman of Tourism Committee, Mr Anthony Hoglund, and Executive Secretary, Ms Wanlapa Yamapai, shared their updates. The work scope of the JFCCT Tourism Committee, Sustainable Development Committee, Digital Economy/ICT Committee, SME Committee, and Education & Skills Committee were shared. Members of chambers are invited to actively participate in the committees. Chambers also have the opportunity to commit to knowledge transferring for teachers, work with the Office of SMEs Promotion (OSMEP), take part in sustainability events to showcase the expertise of chambers’ members and support the JFCCT in various prospects. Believing that we can drive business growth for the foreign business community by working together, many SweCham members are supporting the JFCCT in this essential work through active engagement in the working groups. Moreover, the meeting provided the JFCCT and chambers with a chance to coordinate the upcoming events this year, including the Directors’ Night, Embassies and Chambers get-together, and EEC event organised by the JFCCT and Netherlands-Thai Chamber of Commerce. We are delighted to be informed about the events and we look forward to supporting these events. Lastly, SweCham team was delighted to participate in this meeting, and it was great to catch up with colleagues from different chambers. We look forward to continuing our close cooperation with the JFCCT and other chambers. To learn more about the JFCCT Committees, please visit www.jfcct.org/jfcct-committees To explore other news and activities from the SweCham and our members, please visit: www.swecham.com Previous Next