On 4-14 August 2023, the Royal Thai Embassy led 7 bicameral and bipartisan staffers from the US Congress to visit Thailand under the Embassy’s 2023 Congressional Staff Delegation’s Visit Program, which has been organized annually over the past ten years to enhance better understanding about Thailand while promoting closer ties between relevant Thai officials and the US counterparts on the Hill. This year’s trip was especially important as it coincided with the 190th anniversary of Thai-US diplomatic relations.

The Royal Thai Embassy arranged for the delegation to call on high-level officials in both public and private sectors in Bangkok, Chonburi, and Chiang Mai to further promote awareness and exchange views on the longstanding Thai-US relations and cooperation in all dimensions, including politics, security, trade and investment, public health, local to local cooperation, and collaboration in the Mekong sub-region. Moreover, the delegation was briefed about Thailand’s policies and priorities in key sectors of mutual interests, including clean energy, startups, and sustainable development. They had opportunities to meet with Mrs. Pikulkaew Krairiksh, Chairwoman of the Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs and members of the Committee; Mr. Sathit Limpongpan, President of the Thailand-US Parliamentarians Friendship Group and members of the Thailand-US Parliamentarians Friendship Group; Mr. Sanan Angubolkul, Chairman of the Thai Chamber of Commerce; Ms. Busadee Santipitaks, Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs; Mr. Nirat Pongsitthaworn, Governor of Chiang Mai; and Captain Warintorn Kumhong, Head of Policy and Strategy Division, Naval Operations Department of the Royal Thai Navy.

On this occasion, the delegation also visited Huai Hong Khrai Royal Development Study Center in Chiang Mai to learn about the complementarity between Sufficiency Economy Philosophy and SDGs. In addition, the Royal Thai Embassy had provided opportunities for the staffers to experience and in deep-rooted Thai cultures and traditions through visits of various historical sites such as the Grand Palace, the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, and the Temple of Reclining Buddha, as well as through Thai food, Thai products, Muay Thai, and Nuad Thai.