Vancouver-based Thai Consul-General Sutthiluck Sa-ngarmangkang with dancers for the event
At her garden party, Consul-General Sutthiluck Sa-ngarmangkang is flanked by award-winning Thai chef, Phonganan Siriseangphaiwan (left) and Asst. Prof. Dr. Naruemon Nantaragsa (right)
Showcasing some Thai silk outfits including the traditional costume from Sukhothai (left) which is now only used for festivals
The Kinaree dance from Southern Thailand is based on a Thai mythical figure that is 1/2 bird and 1/2 woman
According to Sutthiluck Sa-ngarmangkang, Consul-General for Thailand in Vancouver, the #1 activity that Canadians pursue ardently while in Thailand, is eating!
To promote the “Discovering Thailand” and “Thai Festival” that will run from August 22nd -24th, the Consul-General hosted a small garden party at her residence, offering guests a sneak peek into the upcoming festivities. Among the highlights were traditional dances and a cooking demonstration by Asst. Prof. Dr. Naruemon Nantaragsa and award-winning Chef, Phonganan Siriseangphaiwan, 2 experts in Thai cuisine from the Suan Dusit Rajabhat University, a renowned culinary arts school in Bangkok. (Needless to say, guests polished off the Pad Thai sample dish in quick time.) And of course, there was a hearty buffet spread comprising Thai favourites like tom yum soup, fish cakes and yellow curry.
Guests were also treated to a mini fashion show featuring some Thai silk creations. Did you know that this fabric was introduced to North America after Queen Sirikit’s visit to the U.S. in the 1960s when she wowed fashionistas with her wardrobe?
For the general public, the “Thai Festival” will kick off this weekend at the Vancouver Art Gallery with all things Thai. These include cultural dances, fashion show, Muay Thai demonstration, traditional children’s games and handicrafts. There will also be a spa booth offering foot massages. Plus, visitors can sample authentic Thai food whipped up by Dr. Naruemon, Chef Phonganan and local restaurants certified “Thai Select Cuisine”. This certification ensures the food quality by using authentic Thai recipes and ingredients. This is part of the Thai government’s “Kitchen of the World” initiative to promote its cuisine worldwide.
In the evening, a 2 hr. “Discovering Thailand” program at the Vancouver Playhouse Theatre will showcase a Muay Thai exhibition match by 2 Southeast Asian Games champs, Somchai Nakbalee and Komgrit Na Nakron. Plus, there will be folk, classical and native dance performances by the Bangkok-based Sirisin Thai Dance Troupe, and a fashion show featuring Thai national costumes.
As the 1st female Consul-General for Thailand in Vancouver, Khun Sutthiluck (this is her 5th month since she took on the role) is definitely making her mark here by creating this festival in a bid to attract more Canucks to visit. Last year, Thailand received about 200,000 Canadian travellers despite the political upheaval.
The “Discovering Thailand” show will move to Victoria on August 25th and Edmonton on August 28th.
