On August 8, 2023, the Consulates-General and Consulates of ASEAN member states in New York jointly organized an ASEAN Flag-Raising Ceremony to mark ASEAN Day (August 8)at Bowling Green park in the heart of New York City. The ceremony was presided over by the Consul General of Indonesia, in the capacity of the Chair of ASEAN this year, and was attended by the Mayor of New York City, the Consular Missions and the Permanent Missions to the United Nations of ASEAN member states, the President of the Bowling Green Association, as well as representatives from the communities of ASEAN member states.
The ASEAN Flag-Raising Ceremony was held for the first time in New York City, marking the 56th anniversary of the establishment of ASEAN. As both a member state and one of the founding nations of ASEAN, Consul General Somjai Taphaopong, along with the presence of His Excellency Dr. Suriya Chindawongse, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Thailand to the United Nations, led a delegation from the Thai community in joining ASEAN community representatives in this celebratory occasion, which also served as a great opportunity to promote ASEAN community in New York City.