On 19 August 2026, H.E. Mr. Vijavat Isarabhakdi, Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Thailand–United States Educational Foundation (TUSEF), delivered opening remarks at the Fulbright Student Speech Contest held at the Faculty of Liberal Arts, Thammasat University. The contest was organized under the theme “American Innovation and Excellence: How Innovation Transforms Lives in Thailand and the United States,” and was attended by representatives of the U.S. Embassy in Bangkok, Thammasat University, and TUSEF, as well as faculty members and students. The event was part of the activities commemorating the 250th anniversary of the adoption of the Declaration of Independence and the 80th anniversary of the Fulbright Program.

The Vice Minister underscored the importance of innovation as a key driver of development and improved quality of life. He noted that ideas and innovations can transcend national borders, where they are exchanged, adapted, and built upon, as reflected in the wide-ranging cooperation between Thailand and the United States. He also highlighted the role of young people as “thinkers” who can transform ideas into action and hold the power to shape the innovations that will help build a shared future.

The Vice Minister further emphasized that Thailand-U.S. relations have always been anchored in the close ties between the peoples of the two countries. In this regard, he praised the important role of the Fulbright Program in strengthening these bonds through the promotion of educational exchange and mutual understanding.