On 17 March 2025, Ambassador Arunrung Phothong Humphreys, Ambassador of Thailand to Sweden, along with Ms. Pittara Navarat, Minister Counsellor, and Mr. Natouch Thammanuruk, Counsellor, met with Mr. Per-Erik Lindström, Senior Vice President of Volvo Trucks International, and the executive team from Volvo AB’s affiliated companies, including Volvo Bus and Volvo Penta, at the Volvo Trucks headquarter. The purpose of the meeting was to gain insights into the company’s vision and policy direction, particularly its investment plans and initiatives promoting sustainability and carbon neutrality, as well as to explore potential areas for collaboration between Thailand and Volvo, which has maintained a strong investment presence in Thailand.
The Ambassador commended and expressed support for Volvo’s commitment to research and development in clean and renewable energy solutions aimed at reducing carbon emissions and addressing global climate change. These efforts include the development of electric trucks, hydrogen-powered trucks, electric buses, and Euro 5 and Euro 6 standard buses. The Ambassador also highlighted the Thai government’s readiness to support further trade and investment in Thailand, including Volvo’s investments and business operations in Thailand. In particular, the Ambassador emphasized the ongoing negotiations for the Thailand-European Union Free Trade Agreement (Thai-EU FTA) to be completed soon. The benefits from relevant tariff exemptions under the FTA would also provide significant support to industry in Thailand. Additionally, Thailand is in the process of pursuing membership in the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), which would enhance the country’s competitiveness, foster a favorable business environment, and promote sustainable and high-quality investments.