Mr. Pichet Chuamuangphan, First Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives of Thailand, led on 29 April 2025 a 19-member delegation to meet with Mr. Jussi Halla-aho, Speaker of the Parliament of Finland, at the Finnish Parliament building in Helsinki. The visit aimed to enhance parliamentary relations between Thailand and Finland.
Speaker Halla-aho welcomed the Thai delegation and acknowledged the longstanding diplomatic relations between the two countries, which marked their 70th anniversary in 2024. He noted that the Finnish Parliament had been informed by the Royal Thai Embassy in Helsinki about upcoming visits by the Thai House of Representatives’ Labour Commission and the Thailand–Finland Parliamentary Friendship Group in mid-May 2025. He also highlighted the role of Mr. Ville Tavio, Finland’s Minister for Foreign Trade and Development and Chair of the Finland–Thailand Parliamentary Friendship Group, in promoting bilateral relations, including his visits to Thailand in 2017 and 2024 to support the ongoing negotiations for a Thailand–EU Free Trade Agreement, expected to conclude by the end of 2025.
Regarding economic matters, Speaker Halla-aho mentioned that Finland’s economic growth had slowed due to increased defense spending in response to the Russia–Ukraine conflict, leading to Finland’s decision to join NATO. He also addressed labor issues, noting that many Thai nationals work in Finland’s service sector and as berry pickers, with some falling victim to human trafficking—a problem the Finnish government is actively working to resolve.
On environmental issues, Speaker Halla-aho emphasized Finland’s commitment to reducing fossil fuel use and transitioning to renewable and nuclear energy, aiming for net-zero carbon emissions by 2035. Currently, 95% of Finland’s electricity comes from renewable sources. He also highlighted Finland’s top ranking in the World Happiness Report for eight consecutive years, attributing this to the country’s emphasis on free education and the requirement for teachers to hold at least a master’s degree.
Deputy Speaker Pichet expressed gratitude for the warm reception and stated that the Thai delegation’s visit aimed to study Finland’s exemplary environmental management practices, particularly in waste processing and recycling. He mentioned that Thailand’s Green Parliament Committee has set a goal for the Thai Parliament to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2030. He also praised Finland’s consistent ranking as the world’s happiest country.
In terms of parliamentary relations, Deputy Speaker Pichet thanked the Finnish Parliament for establishing a dedicated Finland–Thailand Parliamentary Friendship Group, separate from the previous Finland–ASEAN group. He confirmed that the Thai House of Representatives’ Labour Commission and the Thailand–Finland Parliamentary Friendship Group would visit Finland in mid-May 2025.
Regarding trade and investment, Deputy Speaker Pichet appreciated Finland’s investments in Thailand, particularly in healthcare services, software businesses, and biogas production. He noted that Finland’s strong environmental regulations serve as a model for other countries facing environmental challenges.
Finally, Deputy Speaker Pichet extended an invitation to Speaker Halla-aho to visit Thailand at a mutually convenient time, with a formal invitation to follow.
After the meeting, Finnish parliamentary staff guided the Thai delegation on a tour of the Parliament building, including the plenary chamber, members’ dining hall, and event spaces.
