Lawmakers and Washington socialites fêted at the Thai Ambassador’s Residence.

Esther Coopersmith, a very true and great friend of Thailand celebrated her birthday on Monday February 8 at the residence of the Thai Ambassador in Washington DC.

Ambassador Pisan and Madam Wanchana Manawapat joined hands with US Senator Ed Markey (D-MA) and Dr. Susan Blumenthal held special surprise birthday party for US Representative to UNESCO and great friend of Thailand, Esther Coopersmith with  over 70 notable Washington guests. Among them were Senator Pat Roberts (R-KS), Senate’s chairman of committee on agriculture, nutrition and forestry and his wife Franki and Senator Bill Nelson (D-FL) and Mrs. Grace Cavert, Former congressman of Tennessee, John Tanner and Mrs. Betty Ann Tanner and former Home Security Secretary, Michael Chertoff and his wife Meryl.

Amb Pisan welcomed everyone with his praise for the two women who had worked tirelessly over the past weeks for this party, Ms Wanchana and Dr Susan Blumenthal.   He contrasted the dinner party with the  Alfalfa Club one  that everyone came with a common purpose to show their love, affection and appreciation to Esther Coopersmith for connecting them with Washington and the world.

 

 

Mack McLarty, former WH Chief of Staff read out President Clinton and Secretary Hillary Clinton’s message wishing Coopersmith a joyous day of celebration and reiterating her role in most Washington’s memorable gatherings over decades as well as her lifelong contributions in building understanding across continents and cultures. Being US Ambassador to the United Nations during the administration of President Carter, Coopersmith have proven tolerance and understanding through UNESCO could take the time to advance peace person-to-person.

 

Also as Goodwill Ambassador to UNESCO, she has undertaken various initiatives for the rapprochement of cultures in many parts of the World including Thailand.  In 1992, Coopersmith along with spouses of US senators were granted audience with Her Majesty the Queen of Thailand and since then became one of HM’s closest friends in Washington DC.

 

 

Coopersmith came in Thai silk shocking pink dress, and was excited to see those familiar to her at the historic Codman-Davis house which became the residence of the Thai ambassadors in 1993. All guests enjoyed spicy Tom Yam soup and tasty salmon chu chi with red curry and the famous sweet mango with sticky rice and coconut milk on top, and Thai Arabica coffee from Doi Tung under Mae Fah Luang Foundation were also served.  As much also to enjoy when Thai classical blessing dance and Thai xylophone were performed by two volunteer Thai language teachers from Wat Thai DC.

 

 

The night was also heated up when a group of Georgetown University students came into the reception hall and sang special song “Esther My Dear,You’re our Favorite Thing” composed for this occasion by Dr Susan Blumenthal, Real Admiral and former Assistant US Surgeon General.

 

The birthday cake of the miniature of Congress dome and a globe on top with the beautiful photopgraph of young Esther speaks volume of the honored guest of the evening who fondly reminded everyone to feel that ” Life is so good “