On 24 July 2024, during the commemorative week marking the Auspicious Occasion of the 6th Cycle Birthday Anniversary of His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn Phra Vajiraklaochaoyuhua on 28 July 2024, the Royal Thai Embassy in Washington, D.C. hosted a Reception at the Embassy, with over 200 attendees, including prominent U.S. figures led by Senator Tammy Duckworth and Dr. Kurt Campbell, Deputy Secretary of State, along with Friends of Thailand from all sectors including the Diplomatic Corps, the private sector, academia, the media, and the Thai community.

Ambassador Suriya Chindawongse delivered opening remarks before proposing a toast to His Majesty the King. In his remarks, the Ambassador highlighted the numerous Royal Duties undertaken by the King to improve the well-being of the Thai people, in continuing, preserving and building upon the Royal Legacy of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej the Great. He also emphasized His Majesty’s prominent role in advancing Thai-U.S. relations through His Visits to the U.S. both by accompanying Their Majesties King Bhumibol Adulyadej The Great and Queen Sirikit The Queen Mother and on His own. The Ambassador concluded by referring to the long-standing relation between Thailand and the United States and the mutual desire of both countries to continue promoting them.

The Royal Thai Embassy in collaboration with Team Thailand agencies, the Thai Restaurant Association of America and the Thai community, all joined hands to organize this Reception to celebrate this Auspicious Occasion and to express our deep appreciation for His Majesty’s devotion to the country and people, as well as to reaffirm our allegiance to His Majesty.

The celebrations featured a Royal Exhibition and cultural performances including a classical Thai dance and a musical recital, which was accompanied by a poem recitation. A wide selection of Thai food and beverages was served, with demonstrations of fruit carving, garland making, and Thai desserts crafting, completing the traditional Thai ambience of the event. The Embassy was also adorned by Thai orchids of various styles, sponsored by a Thai entrepreneur owner of an orchid lei company in Hawaii.