As the 2023 Asian and Pacific Islander Heritage Month came to a close in May, the Council—and all of us across Minnesota—were humbled and honored to welcome Tanee Sangrat, Ambassador of Thailand to the United States, to Minnesota. 

 

Ambassador Sangrat's visit coincided with the 190th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Thailand and the United States, as well as the celebration of Minnesota's second annual Sonkgran Festival at the Capitol. Songkran, the Thai new year celebration, brought an estimated 27,000 members of Minnesota's API community as well as other visitors together, nearly doubling its attendance since its inaugural celebration in 2022. 

 

The Ambassador's visit was a momentous opportunity to strengthen and appreciate Minnesota's diplomatic ties to Thailand as well as to showcase the state's thriving API community. On behalf of the Council, the state, and our vibrant Thai community, the Council extends one final thank you to the Ambassador and encourages him to visit again any time.