On 6 February 2024, Ambassador Tanee Sangrat met with Rep. Shri Thanedar (D-MI) to advocate for the interests of Thai American small businesses, including the newly founded Thai Restaurant Association of America (TRAA) and the Nuad Thai and Spa Association of America. As a member of the Small Business Committee and with a background in business, Rep. Thanedar ensures that all people of color have access to programs, grants and contracting opportunity when conducting businesses. He also plays a proactive role in fighting against racial hate and discrimination, and shares his goal of reforming the immigration system.

The discussion with Rep. Thanedar presented an opportunity to strengthen relations between Thailand and the US especially Michigan on shared priorities, including economic and investment cooperation as well as people-to-people relations. Thailand and Michigan’s trade is currently worth nearly 2 billion USD, primarily in motor parts, semiconductors, and foods.

The Ambassador sought support for the Embassy’s Thai-American National Internship Program (TANIP) and extended an invitation to Rep. Thanedar and his staff to visit Thailand this year on a Congressional delegation and staff delegation.