Bangkok, Thailand — Thailand is steering full speed ahead into a greener future. On Monday, H.E. Mr. Maris Sangiampongsa, Minister of Foreign Affairs, sat down with Swedish innovators to explore how cutting-edge technology could reshape both travel and national development.
The highlight of the day? A ride on Candela’s electric hydrofoil ferry — the first of its kind in the world. Unlike traditional boats, this sleek vessel lifts above the water on an underwater wing system, allowing it to glide at high speeds with less drag, less noise, and dramatically fewer emissions. For Thailand, a country that relies heavily on rivers, canals, and island ferries, the potential is huge. Think eco-friendly boat rides in Bangkok’s Chao Phraya River or sustainable island-hopping in the Andaman Sea — cleaner, faster, and friendlier to the environment.
Later in the afternoon, Minister Maris turned to another frontier: innovation in defence. In his meeting with Saab AB, a global leader in aerospace and defence, discussions focused on technology transfer and joint research to help strengthen Thailand’s defence industry supply chain. While defence may feel far from travel and lifestyle, the long-term vision is clear — boosting innovation and R&D that can spill over into wider industries, from aviation to smart technology.
These conversations with Swedish companies highlight Thailand’s ambitions on two fronts: to become a leader in sustainable tourism and to embrace innovation across industries. Whether it’s the way we explore the country’s waterways or how we build future-ready technology, the message is the same — Thailand is moving toward a smarter, greener tomorrow.