On May 2, 2025, Ms. Somjai Taphaopong, Consul General of Thailand in New York, together with officials from the Royal Thai Consulate-General and the Permanent Mission of Thailand to the United Nations, attended the 3rd Annual Columbia Thai Reception. Organized by the Columbia University Thai Club in New York City, this event serves as a yearly gathering to foster connections among current Thai students and alumni, allowing them to network and share their experiences. This year, the event welcomed approximately 200 attendees.

 

     On this occasion, Consul General Somjai introduced the key missions of the Royal Thai Consulate-General, which include supporting the activities of Thai students in New York and throughout the consular jurisdiction. She emphasized the importance of building closer collaboration between the Consulate-General and Thai student groups, while encouraging Thai students to use their creativity and potential to help promote better understanding and awareness of Thailand abroad. She also expressed her encouragement and invited students at Columbia, one of the top universities, to leverage their knowledge and experiences to become a driving force in contributing to Thailand’s future development.

 

     The Columbia University Thai Club was originally founded in 1950 under the name “Thai Sabai” as a community and support network for Thai students at Columbia University. Currently, the club consists of approximately 50 undergraduate and 70 graduate and postgraduate students, along with a Thai alumni network—Columbia Thai Alumni Association—of over 400 members.