On May 18, 2025, Ms. Somjai Taphaopong, Consul General of Thailand in New York, presided over the handover ceremony of Thai language textbooks to be used as teaching materials at the Thai Cultural Center of New York. The books were received on behalf of the Center by Ms. Supadee Vutrapongvatana, Principal, along with Ms. Suchitra Paleewong, President of the Thai Cultural Center.

 

     The Royal Thai Consulate General coordinated with the Thailand Foundation, a non-profit organization under the initiative of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Thailand, to carry out public diplomacy efforts aimed at promoting international understanding of Thailand abroad and mutual understanding between Thais and foreigners. The Foundation provided funding for the purchase of Thai language textbooks, through the Consulate General, to the Thai Cultural Center. The Center has been a hub for Thai language and cultural education for over 38 years, as well as a coordinating body for other institutions offering Thai language instruction in New York State and nearby areas.

 

     The teaching of the Thai language is considered a vital tool in fostering love and connection with Thailand among children and youth who are born and raised abroad, as well as among foreigners with an interest in the Thai language. This initiative helps to promote interaction, cooperation, friendship, and trust at the people-to-people level, ultimately strengthening relations across other dimensions as well.