On August 15, 2026, Miss Somjai Taphaopong, Consul-General of Thailand in New York, was invited to attend the certificate presentation ceremony for Thai and Thai-American youth who completed the summer Thai language and cultural studies program at Buddhist school , Vajiradhammapatip Temple in New York.

On this occasion, Consul General expressed her gratitude, appreciation, and congratulations to Vajiradhammapatip Temple in New York, the volunteer teachers, parents, Thai, Thai-American, Youth and Thai people and foreigner  participating in this program. She emphasized that this is a commendable and highly beneficial project that should be continued, as it reflects the strength of Thai identity and to preserve their heritage and cherish their homeland even while living abroad.

The Vajiradhammapatip Temple Buddhist School in New York, in collaboration with the Thai Language and Culture Program Abroad under the Faculty of Education, Chulalongkorn University, offered teaching in Thai language and culture to 17 participants this year, including Thai/Thai-American youth, Thai people, and foreigners. This initiative has been successfully organized for 39 consecutive years since 1987.

This project focuses on teaching Thai children and youth living abroad to learn Thai language and culture. It aims to instill a sense of Thai identity, preserve Thainess, and foster among the youth an appreciation and reverence for the nation, religion, and the monarchy. Furthermore, the initiative seeks to strengthen friendship, close ties, and unity within the Thai community, supported by volunteer teachers from the "Chula-Thai Temple Volunteer Teacher Project." In 2026, a total of 13 Thai temples across the United States and Australia participated in the program.