Current affairs

All Finnish missions abroad and organisations issuing visas, including the Border Guard, Finnish Customs and the Police, started to use the new EU visa sticker on 11 November 2019

Thailand has been taking the lead in the region in addressing issues regarding business and human rights, and the government has shown political commitment and willingness for a more open dialogue. However, the issues are not solved overnight. What is currently happening in Thailand regarding Responsible Business and Human Rights? Read the analysis by Ms. Leeni Toivanen, Junior Desk Officer, on the situation in Thailand.

Finland places great significance on promoting equality in the world, and wishes to thank those who are working towards this common goal. To express its gratitude, Finland will be presenting special recognition to individuals and groups around the globe who are committed to advancing inclusivity in society. The names of the first recipients from 16 countries are released today, with one of the honours going to Thailand.

How could children know what they want to be when they grow up, when the future professions don’t even exist yet? What is it that makes us humans different from computers? These and many other issues were discussed during the visit of the Finnish inventor and futurist Perttu Pölönen to Thailand.

Finland is number one in the newest Good Country Index, which seeks to measure “what each country on earth contributes to the good of humanity.” We talk to the index’s creator, Simon Anholt, about what it means to be “goodest.”

A possibility to vote by post will be introduced in the parliamentary elections of spring 2019. This means that eligible voters who reside abroad permanently (expatriate Finns) and eligible voters who reside in Finland but are abroad at the time of the elections may vote by post. Advance voting will be arranged at Finnish diplomatic and consular missions abroad in the same manner as before.

On November 6th 2018 a National Seminar on Women’s Leadership and Political Participation gathered speakers from Thai political parties and European countries to exchange their views and experiences on opportunities and challenges that women in politics face in Thailand and internationally. The goal of the seminar was to identify effective ways to enhance the participation of women in politics.