On 18 February 2026, H.E. Ambassador Arunrung Phothong Humphreys presided over a reception to mark Royal Thai Armed Forces Day 2026 in Stockholm. The Guest of Honour was Lieutenant General Thomas Nilsson, Head of the Military Intelligence and Security Service, Swedish Armed Forces. The event was organised by Group Captain Phutthapong Phonchiwin Air Attaché and Acting Defence Attaché of Thailand to Sweden. Also in attendance were representatives of Swedish defence authorities, the Swedish Air Force, defence attachés, Swedish private sector entities including Saab, as well as members of the Thailand Team in Stockholm and their spouses.

On this occasion, H.E. the Ambassador addressed the significance of Royal Thai Armed Forces Day in honouring the dedication and sacrifices of service personnel in preserving Thailand’s sovereignty and national security. The longstanding Thailand-Sweden relationship, spanning over 150 years, is based on mutual respect and a shared commitment to the rules-based international order. Reference was made to the elevation of bilateral relations to a Strategic Partnership in August 2025 and the signing of the first-phase procurement contract for the Gripen E/F aircraft together with the Royal Thai Air Force Offset Policy Agreement, as important milestones in strengthening defence, technological and sustainable cooperation. H.E. the Ambassador also brought attention to the need for closer cooperation in addressing emerging security challenges, including cyber security and transnational online crime.

In this regard, Lieutenant General Nilsson conveyed condolences on the passing of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit the Queen Mother and paid tribute to Her Majesty the late Queen’s enduring service to the Thai nation. He reaffirmed the importance of strong partnerships during global uncertainty and reflected on the multifaceted ties between Sweden and Thailand, established by the Treaty of Friendship, Commerce and Navigation of 1868.

He highlighted close people-to-people links, longstanding defence cooperation including training and technical cooperation, and the signing of the Gripen procurement contract last year, and also expressed confidence that bilateral cooperation would continue to advance on the basis of trust and shared commitment.

In the beginning of the programme, a video presentation on the royal initiatives of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit the late Queen Mother and the significance of Royal Thai Armed Forces Day was screened during the reception. Attendees were invited to observe a moment of remembrance to pay tribute to the late Queen and to honour veterans and those who lost their lives in the border situation.