On December 22, 2024, Miss Somjai Taphaopong, Consul General of Thailand in New York, attended the annual Christmas celebration organized by the Thai Cultural Center of New York. This year’s event featured gift distributions by the New York State Police Department and the Thai Community Mahapawn Alliance Church to students enrolled at the Center, as well as vibrant performances by the Thai-American youth. With active participation by their parents, the celebration brought together approximately 70 attendees.

     During the 2024-2025 academic year, the Thai Cultural Center saw an significant increase in enrollment, bringing the total to approximately 60 Thai-American students, providing them with opportunities to learn Thai language and culture, as well as traditional Thai and Western music, through a variety of engaging activities led by dedicated volunteer Thai teachers.

     Later in the evening, Consul General Taphaopong, along with Miss Katesuda Thongna, Consul, joined the Christmas celebration hosted at the Thai Community Mahapawn Alliance Church, which was led by Pastor
Achara A.Ratanasopon and attended by over 60 Thai Christians.

     These events highlight the strength and unity of the Thai community, thriving as an integral part of American society in New York State over the years. They also emphasize the importance of promoting Thai language and culture to the younger generations of Thai-Americans, ensuring they remain engaged and connected to their heritage while growing up abroad.