During the months of May and June, s. Somjai Taphaopong Consul General in New York met with representatives of the Thai community in New York to discuss prospects for promoting cooperation in supporting Thai community and Thai youth born and raised in the U.S. The initiative aims to leverage their potential to drive soft power policies through the use of the Thai language and the dissemination of Thai dance and traditions, with the goal of promoting Thai identity and popularity within American society.

 

  Consul General Somjai engaged in insightful discussions with the Thai Cultural Center of New York on June 8, 2024, and with the Anurak Thai Dance Association of New York, along with other Thai dance performers, on May 24, 2024, at the Consul General's residence. These organizations have long been instrumental in nurturing Thai youth and promoting Thai arts and culture in the U.S. They also played a crucial role in supporting Thai community’s activities in New York and other states, particularly the Thailand Day event which was held on April 7, 2024 and successfully perceived as a testament to the strong Thai community in New York.

 

    In February, a similar discussion was also held with the Sunday School of Nawamintararachutis Temple in Massachusetts.