Following the news of an upcoming pause on U.S. immigrant visa processing for Thai nationals, H.E. Dr. Suriya Chindawongse, Ambassador of Thailand to the U.S., hosted a working lunch for the Honorable Michael J. Rigas, Deputy Secretary of State for Management and Resources, and his team on 15 January 2026 to discuss this urgent matter and other consular and management issues related to the continued promotion of the Thailand-U.S. alliance and strategic partnership, with a view to enhancing mutually beneficial cooperation.