On 9 May, 2025, H.E. Dr. Suriya Chindawongse, Thai Ambassador to the U.S., accompanied by Mrs. Katanawadee Kalayanamit, Consul-General of Thailand in Chicago, and officials from the Embassy and Consulate-General, visited Thai students at the University of Minnesota – Twin Cities to connect with the Thai student community and learn about their academic and daily experiences.

 

The University of Minnesota is a leading public research university in the U.S., known for excellence in research and sports. Around 30 Thai students are currently enrolled, mainly in engineering and finance. The Ambassador was also invited to tour the historic 3M Arena at Mariucci, a key symbol of Minnesota’s hockey tradition. As a former ice hockey player who played right-wing, Ambassador Suriya was thrilled to have toured the hockey training facilities of the University’s famous “Golden Gophers” ice hockey team.

 

Later, the Ambassador hosted a dinner at Amazing Thailand in Minneapolis for Team Thailand, Thai students, community members, and the “Friends of Thailand” network — a group of civic, business, cultural, and Asian-American leaders who actively support Thai community events and promote strong ties between Thailand and Minnesota.