From 19–20 March 2026, H.E. Dr. Suriya Chindawongse, Ambassador of Thailand to the United States, together with officials from the Royal Thai Embassy in Washington, D.C., paid an official visit to the State of Utah to promote cooperation between Thailand and Utah across multiple dimensions, including political, economic, technological, educational, and people-to-people relations.

 

On 19 March 2026, the Ambassador met with Lieutenant Governor Deidre Henderson at the Utah State Capitol. Both sides discussed ways to enhance cooperation at the subnational political level, as well as in economic, trade, and investment areas. The Thai side underscored its interest in expanding energy cooperation with the United States to strengthen energy security amidst global energy market volatility. Both sides also exchanged views on the development of technology and innovation industries, particularly the success of Silicon Slopes as a leading technology and startup hub in Utah. This model could serve as a useful reference for Thailand’s aspiration to become a regional technology hub in Southeast Asia.

 

On the same day, the Ambassador visited Brigham Young University (BYU) in Provo, where he delivered a special lecture under the Ambassadorial Lecture Series to faculty members and students. He also held discussions with university leadership on enhancing cooperation in education and human capital development, including the welfare of Thai students studying at the university and encouraging more Thai students to pursue studies at leading U.S. institutions. The Ambassador also attended a luncheon with university executives, faculty, and students, which provided an important opportunity to strengthen academic networks between Thailand and U.S. institutions.

 

On 20 March 2026, the Ambassador participated in the dialogue “Crossroads of the World: Thailand” at the World Trade Center Utah, organized in collaboration with the Governor’s Office of Economic Opportunity. During the session, he exchanged views on strengthening economic cooperation between Thailand and Utah, emphasizing the role of the private sector alongside government policies. He also highlighted Thailand’s interest in expanding cooperation in key sectors such as advanced technology, clean energy, and human capital development, particularly in STEM fields.

 

In terms of people-to-people relations, the Ambassador met with leaders of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, led by President Dallin H. Oaks. Both sides discussed ways to enhance cooperation in social development, humanitarian efforts, and human capital development, as well as the Church’s role in supporting public-benefit activities in Thailand. These efforts contribute significantly to fostering mutual understanding between the peoples of both countries. The Ambassador also attended a meal with Church leaders and distinguished guests, providing an opportunity to further strengthen relations in a cordial setting.

 

The Ambassador also met with Thai students at the University of Utah and listened to their experiences regarding their studies and life in the United States. In addition, he hosted a dinner for representatives of the Thai community in Utah from diverse professional backgrounds. This engagement highlighted the strength of the Thai community in the state. On this occasion, the Ambassador expressed appreciation for the community’s important role in promoting Thailand–U.S. people-to-people relations and for their continued support of the Embassy’s mission.

 

The visit to Utah reflects Thailand’s strong commitment to enhancing cooperation with the United States in all dimensions, including at the state level, which plays an increasingly important role in advancing economic, technological, and human capital collaboration, as well as in strengthening ties between the peoples of both nations.