Tanee Sangrat commenced his duty in Washington, DC in November 2022. He aims to strengthen the “ASP”: (1) US-Thai Alliance, (2) economic and cooperation in Sustainability, and (3) Thailand’s soft power and Participation of Thai American community. Marking the 190th anniversary of US-Thai relations in 2023 is also high on his agenda.
As MFA spokesperson and DG of Information Department from 2020-2022 and during Thailand’s APEC host year in 2022, Tanee oversaw national communication campaign and expanded the network with the private sector and other organizations to support the efforts. He was instrumental in the establishment of Thailand’s national soft power committee, began Spokesman Live talk show, and initiated a transition from Saranrom Radio to YouTube MFA Thailand Channel. The Information Department also developed the Mottos and Strategic Communication Unit.
Tanee was appointed Ambassador to Vietnam in December 2018 and focused on three Bs: Business partnership and economic cooperation, Bilateral relations and strengthened strategic partnership, and Building people-to-people relations.
Before Vietnam, Tanee served as Consul-General in Los Angeles where he further advanced the consular services including one-day visa, and strengthened the Thai American community through culture and sports. The Thai Community spear headed activities through his facilitation namely: Thai Town Council, Nuad Thai and Spa Association of America, Thai American Friendship Project, Thai Soccer League USA, and Thai Community Cup.
As Deputy DG for Southeast Asian Affairs, Tanee strengthened Thailand’s relations with ASEAN countries. As Director from 2010 – 2016, he focused on Thailand’s neighboring countries, and initiated the Foreign Ministers’ Retreat forum and the Mekong Friendship Project for regional youths.
As Political Counselor from 2007 – 2010 in Washington, DC, Tanee facilitated the establishment of Friends of Thailand Caucus in Congress. Prior to that, he worked on migration, and multilateral issues. In 2011, he was seconded to International Organization for Migration (IOM).
In Malaysia from 1997 – 2001, Tanee worked on economic relations and headed the Consular Section. He provided protection for Thai nationals including trafficked victims and undocumented workers.
A graduate of Marquette High School, Alton, IL, Tanee holds a BA in political science from Southern Illinois University at Carbondale and a Master of Public and International Affairs from University of Pittsburgh.
May 3, 2023 at the The Hay-Adams Hotel