On October 21st, 2023, Deputy Consul General Natnapang Damrongsoontornchai and Vice Consul Sirikorn Khajornkam attended
the Council on Thai Studies Annual Meeting 2023 (COTS) at Northern Illinois University (NIU).

During the event, the delegation participated in a roundtable discussion on "190 Years of US-Thai Relations," which was conducted by Mr. John Brandon, Senior Director of The Asia Foundation, and Mr. Vasu Srivarathonbul, Counsellor at the Royal Thai Embassy in Washington, D.C. This discussion also included pre-recorded remarks on the 190th anniversary of Thailand-US diplomatic relations by Senator Tammy Duckworth, D-IL. Following the meeting, all scholars and attendees attended a reception featuring traditional Thai music performed by students from Northern Illinois University's Music Department, directed by Professor Chamni Sripraram.

COTS has been organized annually since 1972, with Northern Illinois University, Ohio University, and UW-Madison currently taking turns to host the event. The conference draws participants from all over the world, bringing together students, scholars, and professionals with a shared interest in Thai Studies.

For more information, please visit: https://www.niu.edu/cots/index.shtml