On October 21, 2021, Consul Chitrachawee Aroonrunglert, Acting Consul-General, attended the ASEAN First Responders Gathering at the Consulate-General of Indonesia in Los Angeles. The event was organized by ASEAN Consulates in Los Angeles and ASEAN Women Circle of Los Angeles (AWCLA) to express gratitude towards ASEAN first responders who devoted themselves and worked hard during the COVID-19 pandemic since 2020. The event was well attended by more than 80 guests from 5 ASEAN member countries namely Cambodia, Indonesia, Myanmar, Philippines, Thailand.

Consul Chitrachawee presented certificates of appreciation and souvenirs to 5 Thai first responders namely 1) Dr. Chanchanit Martorell, Founder and Executive Director of the Thai Community Development Center (Thai CDC), 2) Dr. Patarapha Wongsaroj, Transplant Nephrologist, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, 3) Ms. Saisunee Vongkavivathanakul. Assistant Nurse Manager, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, 4) Ms. Preeyarat Laisuwan, Nurse Educator, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center and 5) Ms. Managsorn Mekchai, Probationary Firefighter, Daggett Fire Department.

On this occasion, Dr. Martorell gave a remarks on behalf of the Thai first responders regarding the missions and the works of Thai CDC during the pandemic, including distribution of food and medical supplies, providing advice on application for governmental subsidies, and arrangements of vaccination for Thai Community with an aim to improve the well-being of the Thai Community in Los Angeles at large.

The event’s atmosphere was amicable and friendly showcasing ASEAN arts and cultures including national dishes, cultural performance, Indonesian Batik fashion show, and raffle games with prizes of ASEAN handcrafted products. It was a good opportunity to promote Thai performing arts and Thai food, as well as to show solidarity of ASEAN peoples in Los Angeles.

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