On February 14, 2025, Deputy Consul-General and Acting Consul-General Natnapang Damrongsoontornchai, along with Consul Urasee Thiratangsathira Jeong and Vice Consul Noppharut Baonongbau, presented checks from the Royal Thai Consulate General in Chicago to the two award recipients of the "Enhancing Thai Student Activities in the Midwest 2025" project.
The awardees were Mr. Sakdidach Nobpatsorn, a representative from Ball State University in Indiana, for the project titled "Wasant of Harmony: Bridging Thai Culture to the World," and Mr. Jomphon Vongasvathepchai, a representative from the University of Illinois Chicago, for the project titled "Songkran Festival at the University of Illinois Chicago by Thai Student Association (ThaiSA)."
On the same occasion, the Deputy Consul-General led the two Thai students to meet Ms. Anoma Vongyai, Director of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) Chicago Office. They discussed the ongoing activities at each university and exchanged ideas on organizing events to promote Thailand and enhance perceptions of the country. The conversation also focused on strengthening collaboration between the Royal Thai Consulate-General, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), and universities across the Midwest.