On 3 December 2024, the Royal Thai Embassy in Washington, D.C. hosted a celebration on the occasion of the National Day of the Kingdom of Thailand, the Birthday Anniversary of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej The Great, and Thailand’s Father’s Day at the Grand Ballroom of the Salamander hotel in Washington, D.C.

Over 400 attendees joined the event, including prominent U.S. figures led by Senator Tammy Duckworth and Mrs. Marisa Lago, Under Secretary of Commerce for International Trade. Guests included Friends of Thailand from all sectors including the Diplomatic Corps, the private sector, academia, the media and the Thai community.

On this occasion, H.E. Dr. Suriya Chindawongse, Ambassador of Thailand to the United States, delivered opening remarks before proposing a toast to His Majesty the King. In his remarks, the Ambassador highlighted the importance of the Fifth of December as a “Trinity of Celebration” for Thailand, the 191 years of Thai - U.S. relations as well as strategic partnership and alliance across myriad aspects, including politics, economy, and people-to-people relations. In addition, the Ambassador also emphasized cooperation on the Sufficiency Economy Philosophy, Universal Health Coverage, the Mekong Sub-Region and the ASEAN Community. At the event, the Ambassador proudly announced that earlier in the day Tomyum Kung was inscribed on UNESCO’s list of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

At the event, the Royal Thai Embassy was honored to have Ms. Kimberly Bassett, Secretary of State of the District of Columbia, as well as Mr. Ben De Guzman, Director of the Mayor’s Office on Asian and Pacific Islander Affairs (MOAPIA), presented a Mayoral Proclamation proclaiming 5 December 2024 as the National Day of Thailand throughout the District of Columbia.

The Royal Thai Embassy and Team Thailand offices in Washington, DC, Thai companies in the U.S., the Thai community, and Thai restaurants in the DMV area joined hands to organize this reception to celebrate the auspicious occasion and to express deep appreciation for His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej The Great, as well as to celebrate the 6th Cycle Birthday Anniversary of His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn Phra Vajiraklaochaoyuhua on 28 July 2024 through a Royal Exhibition. Cultural performances highlighted at the reception included classical Thai dance and traditional Thai musical performances by Somapa Thai Dance Company and the Nora Dance by young Thai-American performers, namely Ms. Sara Hilany and Ms. Susannah Bua Cantrell. In addition, there were musical compositions of H.M. King Bhumibol Adulyadej The Great performed by DC Jazz Collective, a performance of “Ocean Wind’s Embrace,” an original song by American vocalist Todd “Tongdee” Lavelle written in honor of H.M. King Bhumibol Adulyadej The Great, and a Thai EDM performance by Mr. Sanhapas Bunnag, also known as BOTCASH.

The reception also showcased booths from prominent Thai companies in the U.S., namely CP Food North America, Indorama Ventures and Chicken of the Sea International. Additionally, the Office of Agricultural Affairs, Washington, DC promoted Thai coconuts and coconut products while the Tourism Authority of Thailand (New York Office) provided tourism information and souvenirs. The Royal Thai Embassy organized a photo booth to promote tourism and Thai culture and displayed a Thai Arts and Crafts exhibition with support from the Sustainable Arts and Crafts Institute of Thailand (SACIT) and Mae Fah Luang Foundation (Doi Tung). The Orchid Lei Company, a Thai company from Hawaii, brought Thai orchids to add a touch of Thai to the event.

There were a number of authentic Thai food dishes, drinks and desserts prepared for the guests by the Royal Thai Embassy, Team Thailand Offices in Washington, DC, and reputable Thai restaurants in the DMV area, namely Tiki Thai by Pattana Restaurant Group, Sisters Thai by Sisters Group USA, Thai Signature, and Edy’s Chicken and Steak Restaurant. The Office of Defense and Military Attache, Washington DC also prepared Tomyum Kung, to welcome and support its entry into UNESCO’s List of Intangible Cultural Heritage on this special day.