On 28 November 2023, Ambassador Tanee Sangrat presided over Presentation Ceremony of the Commander (Third Class) of the Most Exalted Order of the White Elephant Royal Decoration, which was conferred upon Colonel Wayne Turnbull, former U.S. Senior Defense Official, U.S. Defense Attaché to Thailand, and Chief of the Joint U.S. Military Advisory Group Thailand, at the Ambassador’s Residence.

While serving in Thailand, Colonel Turnbull has contributed significantly to strengthening the long-standing bonds of friendship and good relations between the U.S. Armed Forces and the Royal Thai Armed Forces. He facilitated the organization of meetings between military leaders of the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command and the Royal Thai Armed Forces as well as the exchanges of visits for high-ranking officers. He also promoted the continuous exchanges of military education and trainings as well as provided support and coordination to the rescue operations at Tham Luang Cave in Tham Luang–Khun Nam Nang Non National Park, Chiang Rai Province.