On 28 May 2024, Ms. Chuliepote Isarankura Na Ayudhaya, Chargé d’Affaires a.i., welcomed 8 Young Southeast Asian Leaders Initiative (YSEALI) Professional Fellows from Thailand at the Royal Thai Embassy. The fellows are professionals working in governmental agencies, private sector, and civil society in Thailand. They were participating in the U.S. Department of State’s YSEALI Professional Fellows Program in various parts of the U.S. during April 22 - May 31, 2024 to gain first-hand experiences working in U.S. public, private, and civil society offices on issues of civic engagement, economic empowerment, governance and society, and sustainable development and the environment. Through the program, they are able to enhance their leadership skills, and expand their networks with relevant U.S. organizations as well as with other Southeast Asian fellows participating in the program.

The fellows shared their experiences and takeaways from the program, highlighting issues of labor protection, entrepreneurship, sustainable urban development, reproductive rights, civic technology, waste management, and career development. CDA Chuliepote encouraged the fellows to apply their experiences, knowledge, and networks gained from the program to further pursue collaboration with relevant Thai and U.S. agencies to better their organization and community upon returning to Thailand. She commended the fellows for their successful engagement representing Thai professionals in the program and wished them success in their future endeavors.

CDA Chuliepote also attended the reception hosted by the Department of State for the YSEALI fellows on 30 May 2024.