A Thai Tie That Strengthens International Ties
“Carlo, this is a Thai tie that you can tie to strengthen ties between Thailand and the United States.”
Thai Ambassador Suriya Chindawongse delivered the line perfectly while presenting me with a tie during a gathering at his residence. It was diplomacy, wordplay, and hospitality in a single moment.
The ambassador graciously hosted the Sister Cities International board and proved to be one of the most personable and entertaining diplomats I have encountered. Then he joined a live band and began singing karaoke. That was definitely a first.
Formal diplomacy is often portrayed as stiff and carefully scripted. Protocol matters, but relationships become stronger when people are also willing to share humor, music, food, and personality. Those moments lower barriers. They make conversation easier and remind everyone in the room that international relationships are built by human beings, not institutions alone.
The tie became memorable because it carried a story. It represented the connection between two countries, but also the ambassador’s ability to make every guest feel included in that relationship.
Citizen diplomacy works in much the same way. A cultural exchange, host-family dinner, classroom visit, or sister-city celebration may look small compared with a formal agreement. Yet these experiences create the trust and familiarity that allow larger partnerships to endure.
Ambassador Chindawongse demonstrated that hospitality can be a form of leadership. A generous host does more than welcome people into a space. He creates the conditions for curiosity, laughter, and genuine connection.
I will remember the Thai tie. I will remember the karaoke even more. Most importantly, I will remember the lesson: strengthening international ties sometimes begins by helping people relax enough to enjoy being together.
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