The relationship between Sweden and Thailand has never been better, says Thailand's ambassador to Sweden, Dr Apichart Chinwanno. The two countries may share more than we think.
At the mere age of eighteen, young Apichart Chinwanno was awarded a scholarship from Thailand's Ministry of Foreign Affairs to go abroad and study in the U.K. That opportunity proved fruitful; he stayed within the British education system for 11 years, eventually earning a PhD from Oxford University in International Relations. Before being appointed to Ambassador of Sweden (and Finland and Estonia), Dr Chinwanno has been highly ranked within Thai Foreign Ministry. He last served as the Director-General of Department of East Asian affairs, which proved to be a challenging task.
Long distance love affair
Tackling diversity seems to be a key element to Dr Chinwanno's persona. But diversity has seldom been so friction-free as in the relationship between Swedes and Thais. Which brings us to the interesting question: what is it exactly that makes Sweden and Thailand so profoundly in love with each other?
– I have been asking that question to many Swedish people, and the first answer is always “the Thai people”, says Dr Chinwanno. They mention the hospitality, friendliness and their ability to make Swedes feel welcome when they visit Thailand. There is an important word in Thai – “namjai” - which can be translated as "water flowing from the heart", meaning spontaneous generosity. Thai people always feel like giving. Then of course, there is the food, climate, scenery and culture. Swedes are exploring more and more areas of Thailand these days.
But there is also a Swedish word that the Ambassador recognizes in the Thai culture, and that is “lagom” - the ridiculed and untranslatable little word that defines us Swedes so well.
– We call it "the middle path", but essentially it is the same thing. We don't do things in extremes, but we try to find a middle path. This is deeply rooted in the Thailand psyche and the Buddhist tradition.
140 years of formal relations
This year marks the celebration of 140 years of formal relations between the two countries. It was on the 18th of May 1868 that the Kingdom of Siam and the Kingdom of Sweden/Norway first signed a London treaty of friendship, commerce and navigation. But more importantly, Thailand's legendary King Chulalongkorn traveled to Sweden in 1897 to meet with King Oscar II and to learn about the logging industry. The visit was very exciting for Sweden at the time, and until this day, there is a road in small town Ragunda in the north of Sweden called "Kung Chulalongkorns väg". Now accompanied by a donated Thai Pavilion, the area has evolved into a tourist attraction and an important symbol for the growing Thai population in Sweden - now over 20 000 people.
– King Chulalongkorn is very revered in Thailand, says Dr Chinwanno. We are indebted to him. He was able to retain our independence in the face of colonial expansion in Southeast Asia, and he introduced far-reaching reform and laid the foundation of modern Thailand.
Royal relations
The Monarchy is still a very important and instrumental part of Thai culture and tradition, and the two royal families enjoy a close relationship. The Swedish Monarch has made two stately visits to Thailand during the past five years. But apart from royal relations, there are also deep and extensive governmental discussions between the two countries, with exchange of visits on various levels. Three years ago a “joint plan of action" was launched to enhance cooperation in areas like economics, trade, investment, education, culture, sports, defense, science and technology.
A common history
One very important event that The Ambassador returns to several times during the interview is the Tsunami disaster in 2004. Many Swedish victims from the Tsunami were helped by the Thai people with food, clothes and transport to the hospitals.
– A lot of stories were told when these people got back to Sweden. The Tsunami really helped strengthen the bond between the countries, and the Swedes were quick to go back to the area as a way of repaying to the people who helped them.
Not only were they quick, they were also many. Before the Tsunami there were 210 000 Swedes going to Thailand in a year. But the post-catastrophe visits have increased, and that’s a lot: last year the number was 374 000 and in 2008 over 400 000 visitors are expected to travel to Thailand from Sweden.
Investment location
While tourism is important, the Ambassador points out that Thailand also offers an attractive investment location for Swedish investors. Strategically situated, Thailand serves as the gateway to Southeast Asia. The World Bank survey in 2006 ranked Thailand number 4 in Asia and number 18 in the world as the easiest place to do business.
– Some facts about Thailand did indeed surprise a lot of people. For example, we are the world’s number one producer of hard disk drives. We manufacture over 1.2 million cars a year and export nearly half of that. Or the fact that over 1.5 million foreign patients visit Thailand annually for medical treatment and care which underlines the strength of Thailand as the medical hub of Asia.
Mobile consulate
As ambassador to Sweden, Dr Chinwanno has introduced the concept of a mobile consulate, touring distant towns in Sweden to make it easier for Thais all around the country to get help with passport applications, birth registration and other consular paperwork. He also has encouraged the formation of Thai associations, “to empower them and encourage self-help as people who have been here for a long time can help newcomers, and they can have fun together in traditional celebrations”. A handbook written in Thai is also on its way, introducing Sweden’s basic laws, regulations and cultural quirks along with useful addresses and telephone numbers.
After “three enjoyable years” he has entered his fourth and last here in Sweden. Now uncertainty awaits. Will he have to go back to work at the foreign ministry in Thailand for two or three years, or will he be offered a post at another embassy?
– The Diplomat's life can be difficult for people with young children who have to adapt to new environment, new friends and new schools, but it is always fascinating to learn about a new country and its culture. Sweden has been a wonderful home away from home for me and my family.
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