On December 2nd, 2024, the Royal Thai Consulate-General, Chicago, together with the Thai Trade Center in Chicago and the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) Chicago Office, hosted a reception to celebrate the National Day of the Kingdom of Thailand in commemoration of the Birthday Anniversary of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej The Great and Thailand’s Father’s Day.
The event began with a blessing dance performed by Ms. Khanithada Johnson, Miss Noppamas Chicago 2024. It was followed by the singing of the National Anthems of Thailand and the United States by students from the Thai Sunday School at Wat Dhammaram. Congratulatory messages were then delivered by Ms. Jessica Sewell, the Chicago Outreach Director for U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth, who presented a letter from the Senator. Ms. Nneka Obasi, Senior Community Liaison for the Mayor's Office of Immigrant, Migrant, and Refugee Rights (IMRR), conveyed a congratulatory letter from Mayor Brandon Johnson of Chicago. Mr. Michael W. Frerichs, Illinois State Treasurer, also attended the event and delivered remarks. Later, Mrs. Katanawadee Kalayanamit, Consul-General, offered welcoming remarks and led the ceremonial toast in honor of His Majesty the King of Thailand and the enduring friendship between Thailand and the United States, followed by the singing of the Thai Royal Anthem.
Additionally, the reception featured an array of Thai cuisine and various cultural performances by students from the Thai Cultural and Fine Arts Institute of Chicago (TCFAI) and the Thai Sunday School at Wat Dhammaram. The souvenirs from Thailand were also presented to attendees. The Royal Thai Consulate-General in Chicago extends its sincere appreciation to the Chicago Consular Corps, Friends of Thailand, and the Thai community in the Midwest for their presence at the National Day of the Kingdom of Thailand.