On 11 February 2025, Ambassador Arunrung Phothong Humphreys presided over a reception celebrating the Royal Thai Armed Forces Day 2025 at the Skyddsrummet event venue in Stockholm, which was organised by Group Captain Phutthapong Phonchiwin, Air Attaché and Acting Defense Attaché of Thailand to Sweden. H.E. Mr. Pål Jonson, Swedish Minister of Defense, was the Guest of Honour. Also in attendance were Director of the Tourism Authority of Thailand Stockholm Office, representatives from the Swedish Ministry of Defence, Swedish Air force, Defense Attachés in Stockholm and those in the private sector such as Saab.

On this occasion, the Ambassador addressed the long relationship between Thailand and Sweden since 1868. The cooperation which has expanded and deepened across various dimensions, including defense cooperation, reinforces a valued, reliable, and trusted partnership. Such partnership is strongly rooted in both between the Royal families and between people and people. The diplomatic relations of both countries are based on the principles of the United Nations Charter, a rules -based international order, regionalism and multilateralism, leading to free and fair trade that is both purposeful and beneficial. The defense cooperation between Thailand and Sweden does not only enhance defense capabilities but also contribute to sustainable economic growth, facilitation of green technology and knowledge transfer, especially in innovative and digital industries. Therefore, the defense cooperation inevitably plays a vital role of valued and trusted partnership of Thailand and Sweden, strengthening our relations, which will lead to more sustainable and prosperous development for both countries and peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.

In this regard, the Minister of Defense highlighted the strong bonds between Thailand Sweden which have been more than 157 years. The strongest relation is between people to people and is reflected in 80,000 Thais living in Sweden, one of the largest Thai communities in Europe and more than 200,000 Swedes that visiting Thailand each year. This close relation has provided an important foundation for defense cooperation between Thailand and Sweden.

In July 2024, the Swedish Government adopted a new Defence Policy Strategy for Cooperation with partners in the Indo-Pacific, which enhancing the cooperation between Sweden and this region. The developments in the Indo-Pacific directly affect Euro-Atlantic security because the challenges that Sweden faces are increasingly cross-regional, therefore, Sweden puts an importance in working with partners that have common interest in other regions. One of the greatest defence cooperation between Thailand and Sweden is when the Royal Thai Air Force has chosen to procure additional Gripen aircraft. This acquisition will not only develop the valued and trusted partnership but will bring economic and industrial benefits for the Thai people in areas such as education and research, renewable energy and agritech.

The reception included a presentation of the Thai military parade tradition, Muay Thai martial arts, and Thai food and desserts from the Ambassador residence. In addition, attendees jointly observed a minute of silence in respect of the victims and those affected by the shooting incident in Örebro on February 4, 2025.