On 18 – 20 August 2023, a consular team from the Royal Thai Embassy in Washington DC, led by Consul Sart Chaivoraphorn, organized a mobile consular service at Wat Florida Buddharam in Navarre, Florida. The team provided services in renewing passports and ID cards as well as providing information and advice on other consular matters for Thai people living in Navarre and nearby areas such as Jacksonville, Miami, Orlando, Tampa and other neighboring states such as Alabama, Georgia, Louisiana, and Mississippi. The team catered special services for those aged 70 and above on 18 August without the need for advance online appointments to accommodate the convenience of seniors who might not be comfortable with the online booking.

This 3-day mobile consular service attracted a large number of Thai people, who were impressed with the service as it has been 3 years since the last service by the Embassy in Navarre. The Embassy’s consular team was able to provide services for more than 417 people, comprising renewal of 283 passports and 118 ID cards, and 16 consular consultations.

Despite the hot weather, the mobile consular services received significant attention and appreciation from the Thai community. The event was filled with the smiles and warmth of fellow Thai citizens who generously supported each other. The mobile consular team received great assistance and cooperation from Phramaha Vallobh Sukhsvasdi, the abbot of Wat Florida Buddharam, volunteers, and fellow Thai citizens who came to receive services, leaving a profound impression on the mobile consular team, highlighting the strong sense of community and support among Thai citizens.