The prime minister of Thailand, General Surayut Chulanon, paid tribute to a handful of athletes with Thai heritage during a ceremony Sunday at the Hotel Plaza Athenee in New York. Athletes recognized at the ceremony were: New York Yankees star Johnny Damon; LPGA golfers Stacy Prammanasudh, Virada Nirapathpongporn, and twins Aree and Naree Song; and NFL safety Kevin Kaesviharn (New Orleans Saints).

Front row -- Johnny Damon, Naree Song, Prime Minister Surayat Chulanon, Stacy Prammanasudh, Virada Nirapathpongporn, Yome Damon (Johnny's mom). Back row -- Michelle Damon (Johnny Damon's wife), Mongkol Kaesviharn (Kevin Kaesviharn's father), Prawat Prammanasudh (Stacy Prammanasudh's father). Aree was not able to attend.
Stacy Prammanasudh (left) and Virada Nirapathpongporn (right) receive a certifcate from Prime Minister Surayat Chulanon that states, "The office of the prime minister hereby presents this certificate in recognition to (athlete's name)'s notable career achievements that are the pride and honor of the nation."

Photos by Siam Sport