On 11 September 2026, Consul-General Bacharee Puengpak, together with Deputy Consul-General Varapol Chensavasdijai, held discussions with Northern Illinois University’s (NIU) Dr. Andrew Glendening, Interim Dean, College of Visual and Performing Arts and Dr. John F. Paul, Interim Director of the School of Music, on ways to promote cooperation in the promotion of Thai music in the Midwest.

During the meeting, the Consulate-General presented its financial support for the operations and activities of NIU's Thai Music Ensemble, the only Thai music ensemble in the Midwest that offers academic credit courses for students.

NIU's Thai Music Ensemble was established more than 20 years ago and serves as a key pillar in promoting Thai arts and culture in the Midwest. The support from the Royal Thai Consulate-General aims to preserve Thai cultural heritage abroad and further provide Americans with the opportunity to learn about Thai music.