On April 7, 2024, the Royal Thai Consulate-General in New York, in collaboration with the Thai Cultural Center of New York, organized the “Thailand Day” event to present cultural activities aimed at fostering a sense of attachment and love for Thailand among Thai children and youth born and raised in the United States. This initiative seeks to strengthen the Thai community and promote people-to-people relationships between Thailand and the United States in the long term. The event attracted more than 500 attendees, including Thai nationals, friends of Thailand, and people from diverse backgrounds.
Coinciding with UNESCO's recognition of "Songkran in Thailand, Thai New Year Festival" as an intangible cultural heritage of humanity, Thailand Day celebrated this occasion by organizing traditional activities such as the pouring of water over the Buddha statue and elders' hands as an expression of respect and gratitude, Thai dances from the four regions, classical Thai music performances, Muay Thai, and Thai folk plays. These activities were supported by the Thai Cultural Center of New York, Thai Sunday School of Vajiradhammapadip Temple in New York, Sunday School of Nawamintararachutis Temple in Massachusetts, and Chiang Mai Thai Cultural Exchange Center, which contributed to creating a vibrant atmosphere at the event.
During the event, Consul General Somjai Taphaopong also awarded prizes to 12 winners and runners-up of essay writing and drawing competitions. The themes of the competitions were 'My Thailand' and 'My Thai Tradition,' respectively. Additionally, there was a quiz and a storytelling contest, and an art corner for children to make and take home their artworks as souvenirs.
Participants also enjoyed a variety of Thai cuisine sponsored by Thai community associations, and participated in cooking demonstrations with delight.
The Royal Thai Consulate-General wishes to extend our gratitude to the Thai Cultural Center of New York, Team Thailand Agencies, Thai community associations, and various businesses for their collaborative efforts in creating a warm and welcoming learning environment for our children. Special thanks are also extended to the young participants, as well as their parents and teachers, for their enthusiastic participation throughout the program.