Bangkok: The United States Embassy in Thailand marked the upcoming 250th anniversary of US independence by hosting a traditional tree ordination ceremony at the ambassador's residence in Bangkok, alongside Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt.

According to Thai News Agency, US Ambassador to Thailand Sean O'Neill, together with his spouse Sachiyo Kubo and embassy officials, held the ceremony on August 25, 2026. Senior Buddhist monks, including Phra Ratchasutthiwachirasuthi, Abbot of Wat Suthiwararam, conducted the ritual on the residence grounds, which feature a rain tree over a century old.

O'Neill stated that Americans take their role as stewards of historic, cultural, natural, and aesthetic heritage very seriously. He added that with Thailand now being his home, he wanted to continue that tradition of stewardship in a meaningful way within the Thai context. O'Neill added that the embassy grounds serve as a symbol of the long-standing relationship between the United States and Thailand, which he described as growing over time through mutual trust and care.

Governor Chadchart noted that the event aligns with the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration's initiatives to expand green spaces and improve air quality across the capital. "During our last term, we planted 2.6 million trees, and we aim to plant another 2 million in this term," Chadchart said. "Trees are vital assets, but we sometimes forget that. Just as we hold ceremonies for new buildings, we need ceremonies like this to remind us of the importance of caring for them."

The ceremony concluded with Ambassador O'Neill expressing appreciation to the people of Bangkok and Thailand, reaffirming the commitment to preserve the natural surroundings and nurture bilateral ties.