History was made this week in Iowa. On the evening of Friday, July 11, Suriya Chindawongse, the ambassador of Thailand to the United States, spoke with members of the Ankeny Chamber of Commerce at the chamber's offices.

The trip marked the ambassador’s first visit to the state of Iowa since taking the role in 2024, but by no means was it the first visit of its kind Chindawongse has made. Throughout his tenure in the position of ambassador, Chindawongse aims to visit each of the 50 states. He is, he believes, about halfway to fulfilling that goal.

In visiting Iowa, Chindawongse hopes to continue to build upon the Treaty of Amity and Commerce that was formed between the United States and Thailand in 1833. 

In conversation with chamber members, he expressed interest in expanding agricultural trade with Iowa, saying he was surprised to find out that most of the trade between Thailand and Iowa consisted of manufactured goods.

“We look for high quality (agricultural) products in Thailand, even though we’re an agricultural country,” Chindawongse said. “Some people may say ‘why is it that an agricultural country is looking to import more?’ Well, because a lot of it’s in the quality. You have a lot of products we don’t have, and the consumer wants it.”

Suthiphon “Sue” Hudson, the president of the Thai Association of Iowa, helped coordinate the ambassador’s visit to Des Moines and accompanied him throughout his time in the city. Prior to the ambassador’s conversation with Ankeny Chamber of Commerce members on Friday, Hudson took Chindawongse to meet with Iowa’s lieutenant governor, Chris Cournoyer. On Saturday, they will visit with Iowa farmers and various Thai vendors at Ankeny Summerfest.

“This visit is a powerful recognition of our presence and our contributions. It shows us that we are seen, valued, and still connected to our homeland,” said Hudson in an email to the Register. “It’s a moment of pride for the Thai community here, and one that strengthens our cultural identity while reminding us that we are part of something bigger — both as Thais and as Iowans.”

The emphasis on community, and the idea of “Iowa nice” — which came up time and time again in the ambassador’s conversation with chamber members — was a big part of what drove him to visit Iowa in the first place.

“One of the reasons I decided to come here to Ankeny is because I heard it’s a booming city and very dynamic. I wanted to see how it has been successful, (see what) good lessons I can take back and apply to my country, but also as a catalyst for even stronger ties between Thailand and the state of Iowa," said Chindawongse.

Chindawongse also placed a heavy emphasis on connection, noting that partnership is an essential part of a thriving global economy.

“We (in Thailand) pride ourselves on being a link to the world, but we just cannot, you know, sit on our laurels,” Chindawongse said of the relationship he hopes to help foster between the two countries. “You just have to see some of these success stories that are happening. (These visits are) a great opportunity to see how things get done.” 

While Chindawongse’s visit was rooted in business, he made sure those present understood that he truly cared about the relationship between Thailand and the United States. Several times, he mentioned the treaty the two countries had formed 192 years ago, citing a sentiment he believed still held up in the present day: “Commerce and friendship between the two nations will continue as long as heaven and Earth shall endure.”