Thailand is set to finalize a landmark 19.5 billion Thai Baht (~US$560 million) defense deal with Sweden on Monday, acquiring four state-of-the-art Gripen jets from SAAB in a government-to-government agreement. The signing, scheduled for midday in Stockholm, marks a significant step in bolstering Thailand’s military capabilities while reinforcing its commitment to lawful self-defense amid escalating border tensions with Cambodia.
The delegation, led by Thailand’s Foreign Minister Maris Sangiampongsa and Air Chief Marshal Panphakdi Pattanakul, Commander-in-Chief of the Royal Thai Air Force, arrived in Stockholm over the weekend to seal the agreement. Beyond the immediate purchase, the deal includes plans for eight additional jets by 2036, alongside ancillary equipment and a partnership to advance Thailand’s aeronautics sector.
A Strategic Defense Upgrade
The acquisition of Gripen E/F fighter jets represents a pivotal upgrade for the Royal Thai Air Force, which plans to integrate two new squadrons at Korat Air Base, replacing aging F-16 aircraft. Air Chief Marshal Panphakdi emphasized the strategic importance of the deal, noting that while the overall size of the Air Force may shrink, its efficiency and operational readiness will see substantial gains. “We are improving quality, technology, and operational readiness simultaneously” he stated during a briefing in Stockholm on Sunday. 
The agreement also includes offset policies that promise long-term benefits for Thailand, such as technology transfer and the creation of skilled labor opportunities within the domestic aeronautics industry. This partnership with SAAB, a Swedish aerospace and defense company, underscores Thailand’s ambition to modernize its military infrastructure while fostering industrial growth. Additionally, a unique touch of national pride is evident in the incorporation of Thai Surin fabric design into the jets, a detail Air Chief Marshal Panphakdi highlighted as a source of inspiration for young pilots and personnel.
The deal comes after initial concerns in late July when Swedish officials hesitated over the sale due to Thailand’s use of existing Gripen jets in live combat—the first such deployment globally. However, after diplomatic clarifications, Sweden confirmed its approval under strict arms-sale regulations, signaling confidence in Thailand’s adherence to international norms.
Border Tensions with Cambodia Take Center Stage
While the Gripen deal strengthens Thailand’s defense posture, it arrives against the backdrop of heightened friction with neighboring Cambodia over border disputes. Thai officials have accused Cambodia of violating the 1997 Ottawa Treaty, an international agreement banning anti-personnel landmines, by planting PMN-2 mines along the shared border. These mines, recently discovered in Surin province near Hill 350, have caused serious injuries to Thai soldiers since July, according to Thai military reports.
Foreign Minister Maris, speaking to reporters in Stockholm, condemned Cambodia’s actions as a breach of Thai sovereignty and territorial integrity. He highlighted the discovery of three PMN-2 mines and two dud mortar rounds just 100 meters inside Thai territory, alongside caltrops planted by Cambodian forces. “This tactic creates misunderstandings and cannot be accepted by any country” he said, criticizing Cambodia’s alleged use of information operations to manipulate public opinion.
Thailand insists its military responses have been strictly defensive, proportionate, and in line with Article 51 of the United Nations Charter, which enshrines the right to self-defense. “We have focused on bilateral negotiations and avoided force wherever possible” Maris added, underscoring Thailand’s preference for peaceful resolutions despite provocations.
International Advocacy in Geneva
Following the signing in Stockholm, Maris is scheduled to travel to Geneva on August 26, 2025, to present evidence of Cambodia’s treaty violations to international partners. His itinerary includes meetings with the Committee on Cooperative Compliance under the Ottawa Convention, representatives from key states, and the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights. He will also engage with the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) President to address concerns over civilian-targeted operations and the use of social media in the conflict.
Thailand aims to rally global support to pressure Phnom Penh into cooperating on mine clearance along the border. Maris emphasized that Thailand’s military measures remain compliant with international law, prioritizing the prevention of civilian harm. The Second Army Region has reported additional violations of a ceasefire agreed during a recent General Border Committee meeting, further complicating bilateral relations. Thailand plans to submit detailed evidence to an Interim Observer Team comprising 14 military attachés and representatives from eight ASEAN member countries.
Sweden as a Key Partner
The timing of the Gripen deal is significant, as Sweden’s commitment to human rights and international law aligns with Thailand’s efforts to project a responsible and measured approach on the global stage. Maris is set to personally brief Swedish Foreign Minister Maria Malmer Steinergaard on the border situation before departing for Geneva, seeking to deepen understanding of Thailand’s defensive posture.
Thailand’s diplomats have stressed that no country has condemned their recent military operations, interpreting this as international recognition of their legal and proportionate actions. The partnership with Sweden, a nation known for its stringent arms export controls, further validates Thailand’s stance, according to Maris. “Sweden is a critical partner because of its strong commitment to human rights” he noted, expressing hope that the visit will clarify Thailand’s intentions to the broader international community.
However three weeks ago, in the aftermath of the Cambodia-Thailand border conflict, Saab spokesperson, Mattias Rådström said “The discussions are ongoing” between the FMV, the Thai government, and Saab, as it is a government-to-government acquisition process, and “We hope to conclude these discussions shortly.” Maris reiterated Thailand’s identity as a peace-loving nation, emphasizing that its military actions are “proportionate, defensive, and legally justified.”
Operational Readiness and National Defense
Back in Thailand, the Royal Thai Air Force maintains a fleet of F-16s, Alpha Jets, and F-5s, all primed for missions to defend national sovereignty. Air Chief Marshal Panphakdi reaffirmed the Air Force’s readiness and strict adherence to international legal frameworks in all operations. The integration of the new Gripen jets is expected to enhance Thailand’s aerial defense capabilities, particularly in light of ongoing border challenges.
The border incidents, including the recent pushback of Cambodian forces by Thai troops, underscore the urgency of modernizing Thailand’s military assets. Ministry spokesman Nikorndej Balankura described the mine discoveries as clear evidence of Cambodia’s failure to honor international commitments, reinforcing the need for robust defense mechanisms.
The upcoming Geneva meetings are seen as a critical opportunity to shed light on Cambodia’s actions while reinforcing Thailand’s dedication to peace, human rights, and regional stability.
Looking Ahead
As Thailand navigates complex regional dynamics, the Gripen deal with Sweden stands as a testament to its strategic foresight in enhancing defense capabilities. Yet, the unresolved border tensions with Cambodia pose a persistent challenge, testing Thailand’s resolve to balance military readiness with diplomatic efforts. With international eyes on Geneva in the coming days, the question remains: will global pressure succeed in de-escalating the conflict and ensuring accountability for treaty violations?
For now, Thailand continues to strengthen its position, both on the ground and in the international arena, as it seeks to safeguard its sovereignty while upholding the principles of peace and law.
