Update from Ambassador Jon Åström to all Swedes in Thailand
In it monthly letter to all Swedes in Thailand, Ambassador Jon Åström Gröndahl comments on Thailand’s easing of covid-19 restrictions, the country’s reopening plan while updating on the embassy’s forthcoming relocation of offices.
The ambassador says, among other things, that Thailand is currently “slowly but surely lifting various restrictions and other pandemic measures.”
The easing of the restrictions also makes it possible for the staff at the embassy to return to work in shifts with the office as the main workplace and guests can once again stay on the premises, says the ambassador.
Regarding the embassy’s forthcoming relocation of offices, the ambassador says that during the first week of November, they will carry out a long-planned relocation of the office, from floor 11 to floor 20 in the same building as before; One Pacific Place.
– The move means a short and temporary period of somewhat poorer accessibility, which I ask for patience and understanding for. We try to make the best of the move during a weekend when we are still closed, but it simply takes a couple of days to get everything in place, ”he says.
Swedes in need of consular assistance during the period see the link for more info: Certificates and legalizations – Sweden abroad Apply for a new passport / National ID card – Sweden abroad.
In light of Thailand’s news of allowing vaccinated travelers from 46 countries, including Sweden, to enter without having to undergo quarantine, Ambassador Jon Åström hopes and believes that a resumed and increased exchange between Sweden and Thailand will soon be seen. The ambassador points out that the eased restrictions also make it easier to travel within Thailand.
“At the end of November, I plan to travel to Phuket, among other places, where I hope to meet many Swedes who both live and work in this part of the country that is so important to Thailand. Parts of the trip are made together with my Nordic colleagues. I also hope to be able to go on a small tour of the Thai railway – inspired by several colleagues who have tried and recommended the train journey “, he says.
In a comment on other areas, the ambassador says:
“In other respects, our mission continues to monitor economic and political developments. The economies of Thailand and Southeast Asia have, of course, been strongly affected by Covid-19, and although growth looks set to increase slightly in 2021, it is still a tough situation. Hopefully, now not least the small and medium-sized companies in, for example, the hospitality industry can start to come back after a very difficult period. The vaccinations have started properly and the forecasts look good in the future.
As for Myanmar, it unfortunately looks different and apart from a still difficult Covid situation, there are still major difficulties and risks for the population after the military coup in February. The Swedish commitment in Myanmar is long-term and focuses on continuing to support the most needy. About our regional development cooperation in Asia and Oceania, we are currently waiting to get a new regional strategy in place. After that, important work begins on preparing projects and programs for the coming years.
In just over a month, Sweden will open a branch office in Cambodia, which will organizationally belong to the Bangkok Embassy. In parallel, we are working to open an honorary consulate in Phnom Penh. It will be exciting to take on another country as Swedish ambassador. ”