On October 24, 2024, Miss Somjai Taphaopong, Consul General of Thailand in New York, warmly welcomed a group of young, talented Thai artists from the Moradokmai Theatre Community and Homeschool (Moradokmai Theatre Community) during their performance tour and cultural exchange in New York, held from October 19-27, 2024, with support from Thai Life New York. Consul General Somjai expressed her admiration and appreciation for Moradokmai's efforts to promote Thai performing arts and music through modern pedagogy, engaging the local public and conducting cultural exchanges in Thai classical dance between young Thai artists and students in New York. These activities also contributed to a deeper understanding of Thailand and the essence of "Thainess" among international audiences, while advancing cultural and public diplomacy to strengthen people-to-people ties between Thailand and the US.

 

     On this occasion, Moradokmai performed for the Consulate’s staff as well as Thai and foreign visitors seeking consular services at the Consulate’s premises.

 

     The Consulate also coordinated with the Elmhurst-J.H. Senior Center in Queens to provide a performance opportunity for Moradokmai on October 25, 2024. During this event, the group showcased Thai classical dance and music, offering a reflection of Thainess in an accessible way for audiences that included Thai and local elders, as well as the center’s staff. The attendees were greatly impressed by the performances.

 

     While touring New York, Moradokmai presented Thai performing arts and music at various venues, including Times Square, Thai restaurants, and during the Royal Kathina Ceremonies at Wat USA Buddhayaram and Vajiradhammapadip Temple. Additionally, the group conducted a cultural workshop on Thai classical dance for students at the High School for Global Citizenship in Brooklyn.

 

     Moradokmai Theatre Community and Homeschool is a Theatre Community and Homeschool established in 2005 by Kru Chang - Janaprakal Chandruang, a dramatist and Thai National Artist. It offers trainings of Thai classical dance and music, jazz, blues, raps, hip-hop, as well as Thai and contemporary theatre. Since 2007, the school has taken its students abroad for cultural exchanges and to perform in numerous festivals in several countries.