On May 30, 2025, Mrs. Katanawadee Kalayanamit, Consul-General of Thailand in Chicago and Mrs. Natnapang Damrongsoontornchai, Deputy Consul-General, participated in the opening ceremony of the 47th Annual General Meeting of the Council of Thai Bhikkhus in the USA, held at Wat Dhammaram, Chicago, Illinois.

 

During the ceremony, His Holiness Somdet Phra Mahāthīrājāchān of Wat Phra Chetuphon Vimolmangklaram, Member of the Supreme Sangha Council of Thailand and Advisor to the Council of Thai Bhikkhus in the U.S.A., has graciously granted a Dhamma address via online broadcast. Subsequently, Phra Thepvajaravides, Chairman of the Council, delivered opening remarks and an overview of the meeting's agenda, and Phra Maha Samroeng Apassaro, the acting abbot of Wat Dhammaram and the host monk, extended welcome speech to all participants.

 

On this occasion, the Consul-General delivered remarks highlighting the role of the Royal Thai Consulate-General in Chicago and the collaborative efforts of Thai government agencies abroad. She also provided vital information regarding the passport application process for Buddhist monks residing in the United States. After, Asst. Prof. Yotsawee Saifah, Ph.D., Dean of the Faculty of Education, Chulalongkorn University, delivered a presentation on developing the Thai language and culture project within Thai temples across the United States. The ceremony concluded with a merit-making ceremony and offering alms to the monks.