First Presidency Welcomes Thailand’s Ambassador to Temple Square

LDS Gospel March 21, 2026

President Dallin H. Oaks (left) of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints shakes hands with His Excellency Dr. Suriya Chindawongse, the Ambassador of Thailand to the United States, in the Church Administration Building on Friday, March 20, 2026.

SALT LAKE CITY — Demonstrating a continued commitment to international diplomacy and humanitarian partnership, the First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints received His Excellency Dr. Suriya Chindawongse, the Ambassador of Thailand to the United States, at Temple Square on Friday, March 20, 2026.

The Ambassador was greeted by President Dallin H. Oaks and his counselors, Presidents Henry B. Eyring and D. Todd Christofferson. Also in attendance was Elder Gérald Caussé of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. The meeting, held in the Church Administration Building, served as a platform to reinforce the deep-rooted ties between the Church and the Kingdom of Thailand.

A Legacy of Collaboration

President Dallin H. Oaks of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints speaks with His Excellency Dr. Suriya Chindawongse, the Ambassador of Thailand to the United States, in the Church Administration Building on Friday, March 20, 2026.

During the visit, leaders discussed shared priorities, specifically focusing on education, family stability, and community service. The dialogue highlighted several high-impact collaborations from the recent past, including:

Educational Technology: In 2025, the Church partnered with the Information Technology Foundation—under the initiative of Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn—to provide computers and advanced educational tools to schools across Thailand.
Neonatal Healthcare: Building on a 20-year relationship with the Neonatal Society of Thailand, the Church recently donated essential medical equipment, including resuscitators and warmers, to over 20 hospitals to improve infant survival rates.
Local Philanthropy: The debut of the Light the World Giving Machine at Bangkok’s Siam Paragon provided a modern venue for Thai residents to donate directly to local charities.

Strengthening Global Ties

Front row, left to right: President Henry B. Eyring, First Counselor in the First Presidency; His Excellency Dr. Suriya Chindawongse, the Ambassador of Thailand to the United States; President Dallin H. Oaks; and President D. Todd Christofferson, Second Counselor in the First Presidency. Back row, left to right: Ms. Pemikar Lusananon of the Royal Thai Embassy in Washington, D.C.; Elder Gérald Caussé of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles; and Ms. Nicha Sakulyuenyong of the Royal Thai Embassy.

The Church’s presence in Thailand has grown significantly since its formal arrival, now boasting more than 24,000 members. A major milestone in this relationship was the October 2023 dedication of the Bangkok Thailand Temple, which stands as a symbol of the faith's permanent roots in the region.

Ambassador Chindawongse’s visit to Utah was not limited to Temple Square; his itinerary included various academic and governmental engagements intended to foster mutual understanding and promote ongoing dialogue between Thailand and the State of Utah.

Upcoming Event Note: Members and friends of the Church worldwide are preparing for the upcoming General Conference on April 4–5, where global leaders will share messages focused on the love of Jesus Christ.