The Royal Thai Consulate-General in New York Promoted Thai Language, Thai Studies and Establishing Thai Corner at Ohio University, Athens, Ohio

On November 8, 2024, Miss Somjai Taphaopong, Consul General of Thailand in New York, along with Miss Katesuda Thongna, Consul, and staff from the Royal Thai Consulate-General, attended the opening ceremony of the annual 2024 Council on Thai Studies (COTS) conference. This year, Ohio University hosted the event, which focused on academic discussions related to the Thai language and Thai studies. Over 150 participants, including professors, scholars, researchers, and students from across the United States and Thailand, attended, with notable representation from Northern Illinois University, The University of Wisconsin, Cornell University, Naresuan University, Ubon Ratchathani University and Suan Sunandha Rajabhat University.

During the opening ceremony, Consul General expressed her gratitude to the organizers and Ohio University for the invitation. She emphasized the role of language serving as a tool in strengthening Thailand-U.S. relations, fostering greater understanding of Thailand, and as a medium of deepening people-to-people connections.

Additionally, Consul General and her delegation met with Mr. Matthew Ando, Dean of the College of Arts and Science, and other executive members, including representatives from the Center for International Studies, the Office of Global Affairs, as well as Dean of Social Science Faculty, Naresuan University. They exchanged views on the way forward to increase collaboration to promote Thai Studies and the Thai language instruction at Ohio University. A collection of books about Thailand with the support of the Thai Foundation was also presented to the Vernon R. Alden Library, along with discussion to establish a "Thai Corner" in the library.

Later that evening, Consul General engaged with international students in Ohio University's Thai language program and Thai students studying at the university. The group shared perspective on the importance of learning Thai and Thai studies in the academic setting, while discussing on the further enhancement and utilizing it in the working environment.