In a key move, Dr John (Surachit Phongsinghvithya), Chairman of the Bangkok Metropolitan Council, led a delegation to Honolulu, Hawaii, where they met Mr Tommy Waters, Chairman and Presiding Officer for District IV of the Honolulu City Council. This marks the first time in 10 years that Bangkok has taken steps to revive a sister-city council partnership, opening the door for closer cooperation between the two cities.
“Today, our goal is to bring fresh ideas and build a strong connection that benefits both our cities and countries,” said Dr John. “We are grateful that the Honolulu City Council sees this as a great opportunity to collaborate. Our plans include cultural exchanges and leveraging Bangkok’s—and Thailand’s—global influence to create new economic opportunities. Following today’s meeting, the Honolulu team will visit Bangkok this December to sign an MOU to officially establish our sister-council partnership. In the meantime, both cities will work together to determine the best areas for cooperation.”
During the discussions, the Honolulu team sought to understand the practical role of the Bangkok Metropolitan Council, from urban planning and enhancing daily life to budget management and resolving local challenges. Impressed by Bangkok’s achievements, they proposed signing an MOU—the first such agreement in over a decade—to facilitate the exchange of ideas and closer collaboration.
Dr John also shared details of his visit to Wat Thai Hawaii, where he paid his respects to Phra Khru Phutthamongkol Vites, the temple’s abbot and a key figure for Thai Buddhists in the region. He learned that the temple is facing significant challenges, including water supply issues and grounds maintenance difficulties, which hinder the monks from fully carrying out their duties.
“Upon learning about these problems, the Honolulu City Council Chairman immediately expressed concern and pledged to take action. If the issues are primarily bureaucratic, dedicated staff will be assigned to resolve matters that have remained unaddressed for more than three years,” Dr John said.
By reviving this long-dormant sister-city relationship, both councils are laying the foundation for a future built on practical cooperation and mutual support.
