Governor of Bangkok Visits Washington D.C., Meets with Mayor Bowser and Senator Tammy Duckworth, and Discusses Cooperation for Urban Development
WASHINGTON, D.C. (September 15, 2025) Mr. Chadchart Sittipunt, Governor of Bangkok, accompanied by Mr. Sanon Wangsrangboon, Deputy Governor of Bangkok, participated in a series of events and meetings, following their attendance at the opening ceremony of the Sawasdee DC Thai Festival 2025 the day before (September 14, 2025).
On September 15, 2025, Governor Chadchart paid a courtesy call on Mayor Muriel Bowser of Washington, D.C. and shared experiences in urban management. Governor Chadchart emphasized Bangkok's significant challenges in improving the quality of life for its people, developing public transportation systems, and focusing on education as a fundamental tool for reducing social inequality. Mayor Bowser, in turn, highlighted the importance of urban revitalization in both the economy and education sectors following the COVID-19 pandemic and discussed the upcoming celebration for the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States in 2026. At the meeting, Governor Chadchart also officially presented a 170 centimeters replica of the Giant Swing, which was shipped to Washington, D.C. in 2022 to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the sister city relationship between Bangkok and Washington, D.C.
The delegation also met with Senator Tammy Duckworth of Illinois at the U.S. Capitol Building. They discussed potential collaboration between Bangkok and Chicago, a city with a strong Thai community, and explored opportunities for cooperation in various sectors, including the economy, education, medicine, energy, and tourism, with a particular focus on issues related to vulnerable groups, such as people with disabilities.
The delegation also visited Shepherd Elementary School, which is one of only three International Baccalaureate (IB) primary schools in D.C. The school focuses on developing students into inquisitive and proactive global citizens. It teaches pre-kindergarten to 5th grade and is part of the Embassy Adoption Program, which provides students with opportunities to collaborate with various embassies, including the Royal Thai Embassy, Washington, D.C., to enhance their knowledge and understanding of the arts, cultures, traditions, and geography of different countries. The program also encourages teachers and students to learn and think critically in a global context. The school is also known for its strong extracurricular and after school activities, as well as the support it receives from its Parent-Teacher Association (PTO) and the surrounding community.
Following the school visit, Governor Chadchart's delegation met with representatives from the office and the District of Columbia Public Schools (DCPS) at the Office of the State Superintendent of Education (OSSE). The discussion and exchange of experiences covered key educational issues, such as promoting diverse and inclusive school environments, integrating students with different challenges, the importance of early childhood education, standards and assessments in the education system, supporting teachers and educational personnel, using technology to enhance academic performance, and fostering holistic student development.
The Governor and his team also visited the Office of Planning (OP) to discuss the "Comprehensive Plan" (Comp Plan), which is D.C.'s long-term vision for urban growth, covering critical issues like affordable housing, environmental protection, economic development, transportation, and land use. They also met with representatives from the Department of Energy & Environment (DOEE) to discuss sustainable energy and environmental policies at the city level, in line with the master plan. Subsequently, the delegation carried out to meet with representatives from the Office of the Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development (DMPED) to discuss the city's economic development strategies, including attracting investors, improving the economic climate, and establishing a center for foreign investor relations.
Governor Chadchart's mission to Washington D.C. demonstrates the strong and enduring relationship between Bangkok and Washington, D.C., particularly in the areas of urban development, social policy, and cultural exchange. This cooperation, under the framework of the sister city relationship, will genuinely benefit the people of both cities.
WASHINGTON, D.C. (September 15, 2025) Mr. Chadchart Sittipunt, Governor of Bangkok, accompanied by Mr. Sanon Wangsrangboon, Deputy Governor of Bangkok, participated in a series of events and meetings, following their attendance at the opening ceremony of the Sawasdee DC Thai Festival 2025 the day before (September 14, 2025).
Governor of Bangkok Visits Washington D.C., Meets with Mayor Bowser and Senator Tammy Duckworth, and Discusses Cooperation for Urban Development
