On 16 September 2026, H.E. Dr. Suriya Chindawongse, Ambassador of Thailand to the United States, visited the University of Virginia (UVA) and delivered remarks at the Center for Politics, with the objective of advancing academic and people-to-people ties and exchanging views on Thailand–U.S. relations, regional cooperation, and opportunities for future collaboration.

Attended by more than 60 UVA students, alumni and faculty members, the discussion covered the longstanding Thailand–U.S. relationship, and bilateral economic, defense and security cooperation to address common challenges such as transnational online scams, as well as the importance of international cooperation. The Ambassador also highlighted ASEAN’s diversity and efforts to strengthen regional connectivity.

During the visit, the Ambassador met with the UVA’s Vice Provost to discuss academic cooperation and with Thai students and alumni to exchange views on their academic experiences and well-being. He also visited the Albert and Shirley Small Special Collections Library to view historical materials related  to Thailand and artifacts associated with Thomas Jefferson, the third President of the United States and founder of UVA.

The visit also identified opportunities to expand cooperation with UVA in artificial intelligence, technology, tourism, research and development, and investment, as well as link with the local Thai community, reflecting the shared commitment to further strengthening Thailand–U.S. relations.