On the occasion of the 185th anniversary of Thailand-United States diplomatic relations in 2018, the Department of American and South Pacific Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, organized “The Faces of Thais in the Relations of the Elephant and the Eagle” reception and dinner on 12 May 2018 at Nai Lert Park Heritage Home to highlight the close and longstanding friendship between Thais and Americans, which has been a driving force in our expanding and wide-ranging bilateral cooperation.

 

Mr. Thani Thongpakdi, Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, hosted the reception and dinner, which was attended by H.E. Mr. Glyn T. Davies, Ambassador of the United States of America to Thailand; Mr. Sarun Charoensuwan, Director-General of American and South Pacific Affairs, and representatives from various professions who are part of Thailand – United States relations. Among them are representatives from the Thai private sector investing in the United States such as Thai Summit Auto Industry, manufacturer of body frame for Tesla automobiles; Mr. Bundit Ungrangsee, the first Thai to conduct the New York Philharmonic Orchestra; Assoc. Prof. Dr. Khunying Sumonta Promboon, Chairperson of the Executive Committee for the Thai-US Education Roundtable; Lt. Gen. Werachon Sukondhapatipak, Deputy Government Spokesperson; Ms. Chiranan Pitpreecha, author and S.E.A. Write Awardee (1989); Ms. Anchalee Chongkadeekit, prominent Thai artist; and Ms. Virada Nirapathpongporn, professional golfer.

 

The guests of honour are the 14 descendants of the Chang-Eng Siamese Twins participating in the “Homecoming Visit of the Descendants of the Chang-Eng Siamese Twins” organized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Bangkok and Samut Songkram Province, the birthplace of Chang and Eng, between 6 – 13 May 2018. This visit is part of the commemorative activities for the 185th anniversary of Thailand – United States diplomatic relations whereby the Chang-Eng Siamese Twins represent the early contacts between Thais and Americans during the early Rattanakosin Period. They are also examples of the first Thais to realize the American Dream in establishing a successful show business within 10 years after arriving to the United States. The descendants of Chang and Eng, more than 1,500 today, have remained friends of Thailand, retaining their attachment to the birthplace of their ancestors, and are proud of their contribution to closer Thailand-United States relations.