KATHMANDU: Amara Rai, a fifth-generation Nepali-origin citizen born in Thailand, has been elected President of the Association of Nepali Origin (ANO) Thailand chapter.

The decision was announced at a March 29 event in Bangkok attended by Nepali-origin communities from Thailand and Myanmar. The program featured discussions, cultural performances, and the formation of the national committee.

Nepal’s Ambassador Dhan Bahadur Oli said ANO’s efforts to preserve Nepali language, culture, and traditions across generations would have a lasting impact, urging closer collaboration with local organizations.

ANO General Secretary Chudamani Bhattarai highlighted a key policy shift by the Nepal government: people of Nepali origin will no longer need to queue as foreigners at airports when visiting Nepal. He said the move has boosted dignity and recognition among the global Nepali diaspora.

Speakers including Mohan Dangi and Khagendra Dhakal welcomed ANO as a broader platform beyond existing diaspora structures.

The newly formed committee under Rai includes Milan Ghimire, Naresh Pandey, Sonia Rai, Amy Rai, Basanti Pradhan, Deepa Paudel, Asmita Neupane, Suman Karki, and Bicky Century.