Current affairs
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1.6.2026
Finnish food tech attracts interest in Thailand, creating opportunities in rapidly growing market
The Ministry for Foreign Affairs arranged a trade mission to Thailand for innovative Finnish food sector and food technology companies. The visit opened up new opportunities in this rapidly growing market. The aim of the visit was to explore business opportunities, build networks and enhance understanding of Thailand’s food and innovation ecosystem.
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28.5.2026
The Embassy of Finland will be closed on Wednesday, 3 June 2026 due to a public holiday in Thailand
The Embassy of Finland will be closed on Wednesday, 3 June 2026 due to a public holiday in Thailand, in observance of the birthday of Her Majesty Queen Suthida Bajrasudhabimalalakshana. Embassy will resume normal operations on Thursday, 4 June 2026.
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20.5.2026
The EU adopts more favourable Schengen visa rules for Thailand
The European Union and Thailand are getting closer! Relations took another step forward with the adoption of Schengen visa facilitations for Thai nationals residing in Thailand through a “visa cascade” system. The new rules will further enhance people-to-people exchanges and the abilities of Thai nationals to experience Europe.
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12.5.2026
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3.5.2026
World Press Freedom Day highlights importance of freedom of expression for democracy and security
World Press Freedom Day is celebrated on 3 May. The day reminds us of the importance of free and independent media as the foundation for democracy, the rule of law and an open society. Finland promotes media freedom, which is fundamental to freedom of speech and expression, as part of its foreign and security policy.
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30.4.2026
Exceptional opening hours in May 2026
The Embassy of Finland is closed on Labor Day, Friday 1 May 2026 and on Coronation Day 4 May 2026.
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28.4.2026
Crisis Management NOW – Serving peace 70 years and beyond
The Ministry for Foreign Affairs and its partners will organise the Crisis Management NOW event focusing on crisis management and peacebuilding on Tuesday 5 May.
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17.3.2026
Exceptional opening hours in April 2026
The Embassy of Finland is closed on Good Friday 3 April 2026, on Easter Monday 6 April 2026 and during Songkran Festival Monday 13 April 2026.
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2.3.2026
Visa consideration for berry pickers aims to prevent exploitation and trafficking in human beings
Wild-berry picking has been regulated under the Seasonal Workers Act since 2025. Companies must hire foreign berry pickers subject to a visa requirement for a contractual employment relationship to enable them to apply for an entry permit to Finland. For stays up to three months, berry pickers apply for a seasonal work visa at a Finnish mission abroad.
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25.2.2026
President Alexander Stubb and security policy drew global attention to Finland in 2025
Security policy topics, which have dominated international coverage on Finland since 2022, continued as the key theme in 2025. The number of news headlines about Finland was lower than the previous year, but President of the Republic Alexander Stubb assumed a significantly more visible role on the international stage. Country brand surveys indicate that Finland’s brand has become more positive, and awareness of Finland has increased since 2024. However, Finland’s positive image development has not fully kept pace with other countries.