Thai Foreign Minister Mr. Maris Sangiampongsa visited Sweden on 24 August to witness the signing of a new Royal Thai Air Force contract for Saab Gripen E/F fighter jets. The deal further deepens defence industry cooperation between Thailand and Sweden, where the Gripen is produced.
The Thai Cabinet recently approved the purchase of four Gripen aircraft to replace decommissioned jets and strengthen the country’s air defence capabilities. Air Chief Marshal Panpakdee Pattanakul, Commander of the Royal Thai Air Force, is scheduled to sign the contract during the visit, marking another step in long-standing Thai–Swedish defence collaboration.
Mr. Maris used the occasion to underline his claims that Thailand’s military operations along the Cambodian border were carried out in accordance with international law and limited to self-defence under Article 51 of the UN Charter. He contrasted Thailand’s use of the Gripen for defensive purposes with Cambodia’s alleged violations of humanitarian law, including targeting civilians and deploying anti-personnel landmines.
Sweden, which values human rights as a cornerstone of its foreign policy, remains Thailand’s key partner in modernising its air force. The Gripen has played a central role in safeguarding Thai sovereignty since its introduction in 2011, and the new acquisition is expected to further advance technology transfer and strengthen bilateral ties.
