H.E. Dr. Suriya Chindawongse, Ambassador of Thailand to the United States, hosted a dinner for over 20 Thai students studying at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, Duke University, and North Carolina State University at Bangkok 54 Restaurant in Chapel Hill on 9 October 2024. Ambassador Suriya shared his experience as an international student and provided guidance on the role of Thai students studying abroad, as well as discussed potential support for the Thai student community and promoting Thai Studies and the Thai identity.

Ambassador Suriya expressed his love for North Carolina basketball and named his “Dream Team” of North Carolina college players, comprising Michael Jordan (Tar Heel) and David Thompson (Wolfpack) as guards, Christian Laettner (Blue Devil) as center, and James Worthy (Tar Heel) and Tim Duncan (Demon Deacon) as forwards.