On June 8th, 2024, Consul-General Mrs. Katanawadee Kalayanamit, along with officials and staff members, attended the Thai Festival Chicago 2024. The Thai American Association of Illinois organized this 2nd event in collaboration with the Royal Thai Consulate General, Chicago, the Tourism Authority of Thailand, New York Office, and various partners between June 8th and 9th, 2024, at the location by Thorek Memorial Hospital.

At the opening ceremony, Ms. Atiorn Kittikote, president of the Thai American Association of Illinois, delivered welcoming remarks, followed by opening remarks from Consul-General Mrs. Katanawadee Kalayanamit, Ms. Maria Pappas, Cook County Treasurer, and Mr. Michael W. Frerichs, Illinois State Treasurer. Afterward, the ceremony featured various performances by Ms. Waewdao Sirisook, a Lanna performer from Chiang Mai, and the students from the Thai Cultural and Fine Arts Institute of Chicago (TCFAI).

The two-day event had roughly 60 booths that showcased a variety of Thai cuisine and Thai products. Moreover, highlights also included performances from the Sunday School of Wat Dhammaram and other artists in the U.S., a Muay Thai demonstration, a Thai massage, the Northern Thai umbrella painting demonstration, games, and a raffle. Approximately 20,000 people attended the event.

The Royal Thai Consulate-General, Chicago, wishes to congratulate and express heartfelt appreciation to the Thai American Association of Illinois and Thorek Memorial Hospital, the Tourism Authority of Thailand, New York Office, all co-organizers, vendors, volunteers, performers, supporters, and participants for making the Thai Festival Chicago 2024 a great success.