On 25 June 2024, H.E. Mr. Russ Jalichandra, Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs, represented the Minister of Foreign Affairs at the closing of the “Weaving Our Stories” Exhibition, in celebration of the 190th anniversary of Thai-U.S. diplomatic relations (in 2023), hosted by the U.S. Embassy in Thailand at the Bangkok Art & Culture Centre (BACC).

On this occasion, the Vice Minister joined The Honourable Robert F. Godec, U.S. Ambassador to Thailand, and Ms. Amanda Phingbodhipakkiya, the Thai-American artist and creator of “Time Owes Us Remembrance,” the art masterpiece of the exhibition, in delivering remarks. The Vice Minister highlighted that the exhibition marks a historic moment for Thai-U.S. relations, as Their Majesties the King and Queen of Thailand graciously presided over the official opening ceremony on 17 January 2024, signifying the close and special connection shared between Thailand and the U.S. The art masterpiece, created by Ms. Phingbodhipakkiya, embodies the interconnected cooperation between the two countries and peoples, based on shared values, which continue to grow across all levels and sectors, whereas the relations between the peoples have always been the centerpiece of Thai-US close ties.

The “Weaving Our Stories” exhibition was organized by the U.S. Embassy in Bangkok in collaboration with the C-ASEAN Center, the SUPPORT Foundation, the Queen Sirikit Museum of Textiles, and Thai and U.S. businesses. The “Time Owes Us Remembrance” masterpiece was woven from threads of Thai silk, cotton, and multi-colored Thai textiles. The artwork combines American and Thai weaving arts and techniques that Ms. Phinbodhipakkiya learned from traveling to more than 40 textile communities across all corners of Thailand in order to create this magnificent artwork.