On 19 September 2026, the Royal Thai Embassy in Washington, D.C. organized the Thai festival “Sawasdee DC 2026: POP – Harmonious Vibes, Creative Heartbeats: Thailand & America @ 250” on Pennsylvania Avenue of Washington, D.C., celebrating 193 years of Thai-U.S. friendship and diplomatic relations and the 250th anniversary of U.S. independence.

Prior to the Opening Ceremony, H.E. Dr. Suriya Chindawongse, Ambassador of Thailand to the U.S., led participants in a moment of silence in remembrance of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit The Queen Mother and Her Royal Highness Princess Bajrakitiyabha Narendira Debyavati Krom Luang Rajasarinisiribajra Mahavajrarajadhita. This was followed by a Khon masked dance performance of “Yok Rob” (“Marching to War”) by the Nara Khon Troupe.

In his welcoming remarks, the Ambassador highlighted Thailand's pride as the United States' oldest ally in Asia and the longstanding strategic partnership between Thailand and the U.S., which contributes to peace and prosperity for both countries and the region. He also underscored the significance of the year 2026 marking 193 years of Thai-U.S. friendship and the 250th anniversary of the U.S. independence. The Ambassador highlighted the royal contributions and legacy of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit the Queen Mother to the Thai-U.S. relations, which were featured through the Eight Styles of Thai National Dress (Chud Thai Phra Ratchaniyom) and the "Woven Relations" exhibition at the Chud Thai Pavilion.

Ms. Natthriya Thaweevong, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Tourism and Sports and Chairperson of the Tourism Authority of Thailand, and Ms. Kimberly Bassett, Secretary of the District of Columbia, representing the Mayor of Washington, D.C., also delivered remarks. On this occasion, Secretary Bassett presented the Ambassador with the Mayoral Proclamation declaring 19 September 2026 as “Sawasdee DC Thai Festival Day” in Washington, D.C.

The Opening Ceremony was concluded by a ribbon cutting, and joined by Congressman James Moylan (R-Guam), Co-Chair of the Congressional U.S.-Thai Alliance Caucus, the Consuls-General of Thailand in New York and Chicago, senior officials from the Ministry of Tourism and Sports, Heads of Team Thailand Offices in Washington D.C., Thai-American community representatives, artists and sponsors.

Visitors experienced Thai culture through cultural performances, 45 Thai food and beverage stalls, two beer gardens, five Team Thailand activity booths, nine booths from Thai communities and associations in the U.S. and the Chud Thai Pavilion, along with activities featuring Thai tourism, Muay Thai, Thai massage and family-friendly experiences.  Throughout the day, a large number of local residents and tourists attended the Festival. The main stage and community stage featured both traditional and contemporary Thai performances including Khon, traditional dance, Muay Thai, live music and T-Pop. Featured artists and performers included Buakaw Banchamek, Gun Napat, Nonthiya Jiwbangpa, JRBUBBLEGUM and MY EYES, alongside artists and performing groups from Thai communities across the U.S.

The Royal Thai Embassy wishes to extend sincere appreciation to the Royal Thai Consulates-General in New York and Chicago, Team Thailand offices in Washington, D.C., the Tourism Authority of Thailand, the Sustainable Arts and Crafts Institute of Thailand (Public Organization) (SACIT), the Thai Restaurant Association of Washington D.C. (TRAA), the DMV Asian Night Market and the Thai Town Association of the DMV, as well as artists, vendors, volunteers and Thai communities across the U.S., which played a key role in the festival's success.

The Embassy would also like to thank the sponsors of Sawasdee DC 2026: Singha, Smooth Groove Chicago, PTTEP, Sentinel Midstream LLC, Sisters Group USA, Harmony International Production, BKV Corporation, Indorama Ventures, DoorDash, EGCO, Banpu Power US Corporation, Marriott International, PTT International Trading USA Inc., SCG International Corporation, Seagate Technology and Western Digital.