On 24 February 2026, a delegation from Thailand’s Ministry of Labour, led by Mr. Somchai Morakotsriwan, Director-General of the Department of Employment, paid a visit to Sweden and met with Her Excellency Mrs. Arunrung Phothong Humphreys, Ambassador of Thailand to Stockholm, along with Ms. Nattamon Punbhochar, Counsellor (Consul), at the Royal Thai Embassy to discuss about the deployment of Thai seasonal berry pickers to Sweden in 2026. The issues discussed include statistics relating to work permit applications in the previous year, with a view to having a clearer understanding of the relevant criteria and procedures. The meeting also considered the prospects for accommodating seasonal labour demand in 2026, which continues to attract interest from Thai workers and the relevant business sector.

The Ambassador noted with appreciation that Sweden has, in recent years, strengthened its regulatory framework, placing greater emphasis on the protection of labour rights, including working hours and daily and weekly rest periods. The Royal Thai Embassy will continue to facilitate and cooperate with all parties concerned. Both sides further discussed measures to better prepare Thai workers prior to departure. These include pre-departure orientation, provision of information on Sweden’s legal and labour market systems, as well as the dissemination of informational materials on workers’ rights and employment contracts produced by the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) for seasonal berry pickers. The discussions reflect the shared commitment of both sides to promoting lawful, transparent and fair labour mobility, with due regard for the dignity, rights and welfare of workers.

Earlier that same day, the Director-General of the Department of Employment attended a hybrid meeting hosted by the Swedish Migration Agency, led by Mr. Martin Linden, the Head of the Work Permits Unit, with Ms. Nattamon Punbhochar, Consul, from the Royal Thai Embassy in attendance. The meeting provided an opportunity to exchange information on the procedures and criteria governing the consideration of work permit applications, and to strengthen cooperation in preventing forced labour and human trafficking, as well as in enhancing labour protection standards. The two sides also underlined the importance of providing comprehensive information to Thai workers and employers prior to the submission of work permit applications in order to prevent unnecessary expenditure or engagement in inappropriate procedures.