H.E. Mr. Somchai Charanasomboon, Ambassador of Thailand to Sweden, presided over the Royal Decoration Ceremony upon Swedish nationals as follows:

            1) 5 December 2012 -  Conferment of the Royal Decoration of “Knight Grand Cross of the Most Exalted Order of the White Elephant” upon Mr. Kent Härstedt, member of the Swedish Parliament and Chairman of the Swedish-Thai Parliamentarian Friendship Group.  For over 25 years, Mr. Härstedt played an outstanding role in fostering closer relations and initiating cooperation between Thailand and Sweden in various fields, including trade and investment, medical tourism and education.  The ceremony was attended by over 30 guests including members of the Swedish parliament, high ranking executives from both the Swedish public and private sector and formal Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Sweden (Ms.Lena Hjelm Wallén).

            2) 14 January 2013 – Conferment of the Royal Decoration of “Companion of the Most Noble Order of the Crown of Thailand” upon Mr. Kenneth Orrgren, Honorary Consul of Thailand in Gothenburg. For over 15 years, Mr. Orrgren has effectively and successfully performed his tasks as the Honorary Consul by supporting the work of the Royal Thai Embassy especially in issuing visas to over 8,000 applicants per year, promoting tourism and culture, and most importantly in protecting and providing assistance to Thai nationals in Sweden.  The ceremony was attended by around 20 guests.