On May 10, 2025, H.E. Dr. Suriya Chindawongse, Ambassador of Thailand to the United States, and Consul General Katanawadee Kalayanamit, along with officials from the Royal Thai Embassy, the Royal Thai Consulate-General in Chicago, and Team Thailand Chicago, attended the opening ceremony of the Minnesota Songkran Festival 2025 at the Minnesota State Capitol, St. Paul, Minnesota.
The ceremony commenced with welcoming remarks by Ms. Korawan Muangmode, President of the Thai Cultural Council of Minnesota, followed by Ms. Phitchanaj Phongthammarug, representing Thai students in Minnesota. H.E. Ambassador Suriya then delivered congratulatory remarks, followed by Commissioner Bob Jacobson of the Minnesota Department of Public Safety, representing the Governor of Minnesota, who also offered congratulatory remarks and formally presented a proclamation recognizing the Minnesota Songkran Festival 2025 to the Thai Cultural Council of Minnesota. Several Minnesota government officials shared additional messages, including Senator Eric Pratt. The event concluded with a ribbon-cutting and the water pouring ceremony, officially marking the opening of the Songkran Festival.
The Royal Thai Embassy, The Royal Thai Consulate-General in Chicago, and Team Thailand in Chicago wish to extend their heartfelt congratulations and sincere appreciation to the State of Minnesota, co-organizers, supporters, vendors, volunteers, artists, performers, and all participants for their contributions to the great success of the Minnesota Songkran Festival 2025.