On May 7, 2022, The Royal Thai Embassy, Washington D.C., in cooperation with the Cultural Tourism DC organized the Thai Embassy Open House as part of the Passport DC program. Over 3,500 visitors visited the Embassy on Wisconsin Avenue to immerse in Thainess, experience Thai culture, and learn more about Thailand.

We received a lot of support and collaboration from various agencies that have made the ‘Thai Open House’ a great success filled with plenty of interesting activities and joyful moments, including the Thailand-U.S. Relations exhibition, live Thai contemporary music, Thai food samples, classical Thai dances and music, Thai kick-boxing, information on travelling to and around Thailand, and “240th Anniversary of Bangkok” photo corner.

1. Office of Commercial Affairs showcased unique varieties of Thai rice, including khao hom mali (Jasmin rice), brown Jasmine rice, red Rice, and Riceberry rice, while offering a sample of Thai Riceberry rice with Massaman curry and Thai fish cakes.
2. Office of Agricultural Affairs performed a demonstration of how to create a Thai fruit cocktail using lychees and butterfly peas, and offered samples afterwards.
3. Office of Educational Affairs presented Thai Iced Tea and Thai Iced Coffee.
4. Office of Science and Technology offered samples of spicy fried chicken with Thai basil and Thai coconut pudding.
5. Office of Economic and Financial Affairs showcased and offered samples of Thai spicy minced chicken salad.
6. Office of Military, Naval and the Air Attaches offered samples of Thai desserts of Thai steamed pork dumplings and pandanus pudding in coconut cream.
7. Ambassador’s Head Chef presented cooking demonstration of papaya salad, pad thai and chicken green curry, and offered samples afterwards.
8. Embassy’s Band performed both Thai and English Contemporary Music throughout the day.
9. Official’s Families presented a Thai traditional costume fashion show to showcase different outfits for each occasion.
10. Consular Office arranged ‘240th Anniversary of Bangkok’ photo corner.
11. Embassy’s Economic Section arranged the kids’ corner teaching kids to weave paper into a fish shape, how to write their names in Thai, and cartoon coloring.
12. Information & Cultural Section in connection with Somapa Thai Dance company and Little Giant Muay Thai Gym presented Thai classical dance and music and Thai kick-boxing demonstration, including an extensive historic photo and object exhibition of Thailand-U.S. relations during the past 189 years.
13. Tourism Authority of Thailand, New York Office promoted tourist destinations in Thailand and offered some Thai souvenirs.
14. Cancer Fighters Art, Inc. displayed an Arts Exhibition of paintings by Thai Students in northern Thailand to raise funds for cancer treatment and prevention. Art works by Thai youth were available for purchase and all revenues will go to Cancer Fighters Art, Inc.
15. Special thanks to volunteers from Passport DC who helped us at the welcome table the entire day. We love you!

To add, the Thai-U.S. Relations exhibition showcased historic photos and objects with information including the 1833 Treaty of Amity and Commerce, the Eagle and Elephant sword presented to His Majesty King Rama III by American envoy Edmund Roberts in 1833 as a gift from President Andrew Jackson, Bangkok-Washington, D.C. Sister City Relationship, Siamese Twins story, The Royal Visit of HM King Rama IV to the U.S., as well as historic stories of the Ambassador’s residential building, the chancery and the consular office’s building.

All in all, visitors enjoyed and greatly appreciated their experience in Thai cultures and seemed to agree that Thai food is “aroi mak” (very delicious)!!