On September 14, 2024, the Thailand National Communication Council of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints hosted a dinner event to welcome two new mission leader couples. They were President Sarawut and Sister Sasithorn Kanyaphan of the Thailand Bangkok East and President Jeffrey and Sister Christine Rich of the Bangkok West Missions. Hosted at the beautiful rooftop of the Westin Grande Sukhumvit Hotel, guests came a broad spectrum of organizations, agencies, and government offices, including the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Public Health, local District government office, Sirindhorn National Institute of Medical Rehabilitation, National Institute for Emergency Medicine, and university representatives. The Bangrak Rotary, which also has a long-term working relationship with the Church’s humanitarian projects and brought several members to attend the evening event.
Four keynote speakers especially graced the evening, all of whom provided a very personable touch to the meeting as each recounted their experiences working with various Church leaders over the years. There was a palpable feeling of awe as Ambassador Sakthip Krairiksh recounted the self-described “miracle” of his son Dan’s recovery, albeit with lingering serious physical limitations, following an accident outside his diplomatic residence in Washington, DC. He and his wife, Lady Benchapa, expressed their gratitude to the Church members in America for their prayers on behalf of Dan. They also praised the young missionaries in Thailand who have continued to visit their son every week for twenty years to chat with him.
Dr. Bhichit Rattakul, an alumnus of the Church-funded Brigham Young University (BYU) with great affection and humor, related how his father, who had been friends with former Church leader Richard L. Evans, in 1969 convinced him to attend BYU rather than the University of California Berkeley. He eventually completed his master’s degree and doctorate there.
Khun Sunantha Somboontham, with whom the Church has worked for nineteen years has been a key implementation stakeholder for many Church-sponsored humanitarian assistance projects. As with Lady Benchapa, Khun Sunantha has also eagerly hosted events featuring BYU performing arts teams, most recently with Vocal Point in 2019. Lady Benchapa and she will also be sponsoring events featuring the BYU Ballroom Dance team in 2025.
The Church’s Area Seventy Suchat Chaichana acted as master of ceremony for the welcome dinner and introduced the program. He also introduced the first counselor of the Asia Area presidency, Elder Kelly R. Johson, who warmly greeted guests and later presented flowers to the guests of honor. In addition, Elder Johnson expressed gratitude to the attending guests for their roles as friends of the Church and collaborators with our humanitarian assistance projects. He noted that Jesus Christ spoke of two great commandments, including the need to love one another. President Johson stated that our commitment to serve the Thai people is indicative of Church members’ service to God.
Sathit Kaivalvantana, Director of the Thailand National Communication Council and his team were very pleased with the successful evening. New friends were made, and existing contacts strengthened. This event marks a more active role for the Council in the months and years ahead.
