In May, we in the United States celebrate Asian American and Pacific Heritage Month (AAPI). During this month, we honor and celebrate the achievements, influence, and contributions of Asian and Pacific Islander peoples.

Influential Thai Americans such as Chrissy Teigen and Tiger Woods have had a significant impact on America through their successes, including Teigen's cookbook Cravings: Recipes for All the Food You Want to Eat and Woods' PGA Championship wins over the years.

The Thailand Insider team is celebrating AAPI Month by profiling some of the most influential Thai Americans of our time. From politicians and chefs to television personalities and social media stars, these outstanding individuals have shaped the country over the years through their contributions and exceptional achievements.

We are proud to present to you, in no particular order, these fantastic Thai-Americans:

Ladda Tammy Duckworth – US Senator

Iraq War veteran Tammy Duckworth is a US senator and advocates for practical solutions, including rebuilding US infrastructure, protecting Illinois citizens from lead poisoning, supporting minority-owned small businesses and creating manufacturing jobs, investing in neglected communities, and making higher education affordable.

During her time as a senator, Duckworth co-founded the first Environmental Justice Caucus. To this day, she continues to advocate for the protection and support of US veterans and stands with the troops the nation sends overseas.

Fawn Veerasunthorn – Disney Story Chief: Raya and the Last Dragon

As story chief on Disney's "Raya and the Last Dragon," Fawn Veerasunthorn revolutionized the portrayal of Asian women in animated films. In this role, she embodies the visual realization of the narrative, based on the screenwriter's words and the director's vision. "Raya and the Last Dragon" transports viewers to the Southeast Asian fantasy world of Kumandra, where the main character, Raya, is presented as the only Asian descendant who uses her strength to defy all odds.

What distinguishes this film is its portrayal of various aspects of Asian culture and their influence on the characters. Many women bear the burden of the story, rather than a single woman carrying it all alone. According to Veerasunthorn, in the face of conflict, the characters ultimately make their own decisions based on their personalities and their desires for the world.

Bui Simon – Miss Universe and founder of the Angels Wings Foundation

Bui Simon is a Thai-American beauty queen who was crowned Miss Universe in 1988 and is the president and founder of the Angels Wings Foundation. Simon received her coronation in Taipei, Taiwan, where she became the second Thai woman to win the Miss Universe title.

Bui also founded the Angels Wings Foundation, which awards scholarships to young Thai Americans and is also involved in education, orphanages, healthcare and other initiatives for disadvantaged children in Thailand.

Jet Tila – Head Chef

Celebrity chef and restaurateur Jet Tila is the head chef of the restaurants Pakpao Thai and The Charleston and can look back on numerous culinary successes, including his appearances on Iron Chef America, Beat Bobby Flay and Guy's Grocery Games.

Tila was appointed "Culinary Ambassador" of Thailand by the Royal Thai Consulate General in Los Angeles. She holds world records for the largest stir-fry, the largest seafood stew, the largest California roll, and the largest fruit salad in the world.

Timothy Chantarangsu – YouTuber & Rapper

Timothy Chantarangsu, known for his appearances on the improvisational comedy show "Wild 'N Out," is a rapper, comedian, actor, and internet personality. His YouTube channel has over 4 million subscribers and features videos of his own sketches, parodies, and vlogs in which he collaborates with other musicians.

Throughout his musical career, Chantarangsu has produced and released five mixtapes and an album called Rush Hour in 2009. In addition to his musical and comedic talents, Chantarangsu is the co-founder of Goodie, a lifestyle brand offering unique and affordable products.

Ingrid Nilsen – YouTuber

On her YouTube channel with over 3 million subscribers, Ingrid Nilsen dedicates herself to important topics surrounding beauty and conscious living. Her videos cover makeup, skincare, fashion, LGBTQ+ issues, wellness, and much more.

In 2016, Nilsen received the Trevor Digital Innovator Award from the Trevor Project for her commitment to equality. She also collaborated with the non-profit organization "It Gets Better," where she led the #TheirStory campaign, which encouraged the LGBTQ+ community and its allies to share video stories about figures who have inspired them.

Cherry Chevapravatdumrong – Producer and Story Editor at Family Guy

In addition to her role as executive producer of "Family Guy," Cherry is also the sole writer of the hit series. Before "Family Guy," she worked as a writing assistant on the American sitcom "Listen Up." Prior to that, she contributed to the science fiction series "The Orville" and the television comedy "Awkwafina Is Nora from Queens." Cherry is also the author of the two young adult novels "She's So Money" and "DupliKate."

Mimi Tao – Transgender model from New York City

As an absolute It-girl of runway fashion, Mimi Tao dominates the catwalks of the USA. Before becoming a model, Tao grew up in Thailand and spent six years as a boy training to be a Buddhist monk. After leaving the monastery, she finally began modeling, following in the footsteps of her idol Rojjana "Yui" Phtekanha, an internationally renowned supermodel from whom she had learned everything.

Tao is currently signed with Slay Model Management in Los Angeles, an agency that exclusively represents transgender models. She has already booked runway shows all over the world, including in Singapore and New York City.

Briohny Kate Smyth – Yoga Teacher

What began as a childhood filled with music and fame in Thailand led to a life as an international yoga star. Briohny Kate Smyth is a yoga teacher with over ten years of experience in teacher trainings, festivals, retreats, and online content.

Smyth integrates yoga into her daily life, not only through the physical practice, but also through the connection of body and mind and how to incorporate yoga into one's daily routine. She offers trainings on alignedyoga.com and a training series with AloMoves.com, including videos ranging from Power Vinyasa for beginners to learning the headstand!

Head Chef Arnold Myint – Head Chef

Arnold Myint was born in Nashville and spent his childhood roller skating through the aisles of his parents' restaurant, one of the first Asian grocery stores and restaurants in Nashville at the time. After a career in figure skating, Myint pursued his passion for cooking, becoming a chef, owner, and partner of three restaurants.

Myint has made notable appearances on shows like Top Chef, Food Network Star, and BuzzFeed Tasty. His alter ego is Suzy Wong, a marketing figure and female persona who loves mixing cocktails at social events or in the media as a "philanthropic housewife with style"!

Learn more about AAPI Month and influential Thai Americans today!

There are many more Thai Americans across the country who have made outstanding contributions! Take advantage of May to learn more about their talents and achievements. For more information about Asian American and Pacific Heritage Month, visit this website!