On 15 August 2024, H.E. Dr. Suriya Chindawongse, Ambassador of Thailand to the U.S., along with Miss Somjai Taphaopong, Consul General of Thailand in New York, Mr. Nanthapol Sudbanthad, Director of Thailand Board of Investment (BOI) New York Office, and Mr. Thitidej Tularak, Minister-Counsellor (Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation) at the Royal Thai Embassy, visited Carnegie Mellon University (CMU).

Ambassador Suriya and his delegation met with Dr. Farnam Jahanian, President of CMU, at the Office of the President to explore opportunities for enhancing cooperation in developing Thailand’s skilled workforce, upgrading digital skills for Thai workers and strengthening cooperation in STEM education to support the growth of high-tech industries such as semiconductors and AI in Thailand. This discussion is a follow-up to the meeting between the then Thai Prime Minister H.E. Mr. Srettha Thavisin and U.S. Secretary of Commerce, the Honorable Gina M. Raimondo, during the President’s Export Council (PEC) delegation’s visit to Thailand in March 2024, where enhanced cooperation in this area was underscored as a priority.

Following the meeting, Ambassador Suriya and his delegation engaged with a group of around 30 current and former Thai university students, as well as members of the Thai community in Pittsburgh. During this gathering, Ambassador Suriya answered questions and exchanged views with the students on topics such as their education, student life, and how they can apply the knowledge and experiences gained in the U.S. to advancing Thailand’s growth and sustainable development.