The Finnish Ambassador to Thailand

[snoop1130]

 

Expat Life felt honoured to sit down with H.E. Mr. Jyri Järviaho the Ambassador of Finland to Thailand and Cambodia find out more about his roots, his mission and his objectives whilst in post in SE Asia.

 

How long have you been the Ambassador to Thailand? 

Since 1st of September 2020 as Ambassador-Designate and since December 6th as Ambassador to Thailand and Cambodia.  

 

Did you arrive to Thailand from home, or were you posted somewhere else before? 

I arrived to Thailand from Helsinki, where I worked for the last five years at the Ministry for Foreign Affairs as a Director in Human Resources. I have also served in Finnish Embassies in Belgrade in Serbia and Riga in Latvia and in the Finnish Permanent Mission in Geneva in Switzerland.  

 

Where were you born and brought up?

I was born and brought up in a small village called Vimpeli in Western Finland. I later studied in Eastern Finland, University of Joensuu and lived and worked in Helsinki. 

 

At which age did you decide you wanted to become a diplomat? 

I have been interested in global affairs since I was a little boy. Being a diplomat was never in my thoughts until I joined a study abroad programme as part of my studies at the University of Joensuu. I studied political science at Newcastle in the UK and later international relations in Denver, Colorado in the USA. These issues fascinated me and guided me to a training programme at the Finnish Ministry for Foreign Affairs.

 

Do you have other diplomats in your family? 

There are no diplomats in my family. My parents were officials at the local government and in a local bank. 

 

How do view Thailand today? Have you encountered any obstacles since you arrived? 

Thailand is a wonderful country with a colourful culture and people. We have received a very warm welcome to Thailand. Of course I still have so much to learn about the country, it’s culture and its people.  

 

I arrived to Thailand with my wife after a two week state quarantine at a ASQ hotel. Obviously the Covid-19 pandemic is causing travel restrictions and many connections with family and friends can only be done virtually for the moment. Hopefully, next year we could have a possibility to welcome our family and friends physically to Thailand.   

 

Coming from the Northern Hemisphere where the average temperature is 5C, of course the climate and especially the heat in Thailand is something that I need to adjust and get used to. 

 

Do you see any similarities between your country and Thailand?

I think people’s lives are somewhat similar in many countries. People grow up, go to school, they work, love, have their desires, hopes and dreams. In general people’s lives have much more similarities than differences. 

 

One special thing we have in common is that in both countries people take their shoes off when going in to houses or people’s home. 

 

Do you have children? What age and where do they go to school? 

We have one son. He is already 31 years of age and has a family in Helsinki. Our grandson was born last April so my wife and I are proud grandparents.   

 

How do you look upon your work here? What does an average day look like? 

Each day varies a lot with what is going on in Thailand and across the world. I usually go to the office in the morning, meet up with Embassy colleagues and teams and receive briefings from Helsinki. Almost every day I have meetings with Thai partners, other Ambassadors or members of the international community or Finnish businesses. 

 

I also take part in many meetings, seminars or conferences, of which many now are online. Usually every week there are some evening functions to attend, meetings with officials, business partners, colleagues or other international contacts as well.  

 

It is very important to build up networks and relations with the Thai government and partners, the business community, academics and civil society in Thailand. At the same time I present Finland every day in many different ways, so I will need good knowledge and contacts in Finland as well.

 

As with every Ambassador, I am sure that you have some goals you really would like to fulfil before you leave Thailand. May I ask what they are? 

I would be very happy if Finland became a partner for Thailand in the circular economy and education sector development. 

 

Have you had the opportunity to travel around Thailand yet? 

Not as much as I would have liked but I have been in Phuket, Khao Yai and Chon Buri, and we are planning to go soon to Koh Samui and Chiang Mai. We look forward to seeing more of this beautiful country.

 

Full Story: https://expatlifeinthailand.com/interview/the-finnish-ambassador-to-thailand/

 

-- © Copyright Expat Life in Thailand 2021-04-16

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[brianthainess]

18 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

People grow up,

I agree you have a lot to learn about Thailand.

[DaddyWarbucks]

Welcome to Thailand and the ThaiVisa Forum herra Jarviaho.

   Maybe there is something similar in Finland where malcontent migrants voice their callow opinions and complain endlessly about the host country. 

   Just kidding... 555

   You’re among friends.