From March 8 to 10, 2026, H.E. Dr. Suriya Chindawongse, Ambassador of Thailand to the the United States, paid an official visit to the State of South Carolina. On March 9, 2026, Ambassador Suriya met with Secretary of Commerce Harry Lightsey. Both sides reaffirmed the longstanding and warm relations between Thailand and South Carolina, as well as their multifaceted cooperation across a wide range of sectors.

Ambassador emphasized Thailand’s strategic engagement with South Carolina’s key industries, including agriculture, energy, and aerospace. He also underscored Thailand’s planned procurement of Boeing aircraft, in line with the Joint Statement on Framework for United States–Thailand Agreement on Reciprocal Trade. The discussions further noted South Carolina’s leadership in advanced energy initiatives and its designation as a technology hub under the CHIPS and Science Act, particularly in areas such as battery innovation and cybersecurity.

On the same day, Ambassador further addressed a meeting of the Rotary Club of Columbia, attended by club presidents, members, and Congressman Joe Wilson. In his remarks, the Ambassador commended the Rotary organization for its longstanding humanitarian contributions and emphasized the robust economic ties between Thailand and South Carolina. Bilateral trade between Thailand and the state amounts to approximately USD 1.6 billion, underscoring South Carolina’s integral role in Thailand–U.S. economic relations. He also welcomed the recent USD 120 million investment by AAPICO, a Thailand-based automotive parts manufacturer, in Orangeburg, which will create 400 new jobs.

Ambassador also held discussions with Jason Giulietti, President of the Central SC Alliance, and its representatives to explore opportunities to strengthen trade and investment cooperation. He also met with Michael Amiridis, President of the University of South Carolina, to discuss expanding collaboration in education, research, and development. On this occasion, he also met with Thai faculty members and students, as well as members of the Thai community in Columbia, South Carolina.

On March 10, 2026 in Charleston, Ambassador met with Colonel Thomas J. Gordon, Commandant of The Citadel, The Military College of South Carolina, to discuss enhancing institutional ties and fostering long-term cooperation between Thailand and U.S. military academies, reflecting the strength of the Thailand–U.S. security alliance. He also visited The Boeing Company, accompanied by Congressman Joe Wilson, in support of the growing trade partnership between Thailand and the U.S., Thai Airways International has planned procurement of Boeing aircraft as previously mentioned. This acquisition will modernize Thai Airways’ fleet with cutting-edge aviation technology while further strengthening economic ties between Thailand and South Carolina.