On May 24, 2025, the Royal Thai Consulate General in New York, in collaboration with the Thai Theatre Foundation, organized “THAI NEXT: GLAMOROUS – GLORIOUS – GLOBAL” at Lavan Chelsea in New York City. The event served as a platform to showcase the work of Thai and New York-based artists inspired by the exquisite beauty of Thai arts and culture. Attendees included over 180 individuals from the New York arts and culture scene, foreign consulates, and members of the media.

 

     The event began with a welcome speech by Keng S. Meateanuwat, Co-Executive Director of the Thai Theatre Foundation, who then invited Consul General Somjai Taphaopong to deliver the opening remarks. Consul General Somjai expressed her appreciation to the artists and sponsors for their collaborative efforts in creating works that reflect their love for Thailand, and also her anticipation that the THAI NEXT would inspire attendees to create further works of art infused with Thai essence.

 

     Following the opening ceremony, THAI NEXT presented a series of short videos created by New York-based artists that had gained popularity on social media. These videos were inspired by various elements of Thai culture: food (Instagram: @xoxoannakwan), fashion (Instagram:@mimi_tao), music (Instagram:@kengchakaj @ruang75), and performing arts (Instagram:@pattayahart). The artists were also interviewed about the concepts behind their work. Then there was a photo presentation of the free Thai dance workshop for New Yorkers which was held earlier at the Ailey Extension on May 20.

 

     A highlight performance followed, featuring a fusion of Thai and Western music (Instagram: @ssathapat @ruang75 @zpraram), transitioning seamlessly into a dance performance that integrated traditional Thai dance with contemporary choreography (Instagram:@waewdaosirisook @thekeeratikid). The event concluded with a fashion show featuring modern Thai textile designs (Instagram: @sirini8), synchronized with the music and the dance, celebrating the next chapter of Thai arts and culture as glamorous, glorious, and global.

 

     This event is part of the Royal Thai Consulate General’s project on promoting Thai culture in the United States, in collaboration with the Thai Theatre Foundation, jointly organizing all the abovementioned activities.

 

     On this occasion, the Consulate General extends its gratitude to the Tourism Authority of Thailand New York Office and the Thai Trade Center in New York as valuable media partners, as well as to the Thai private sector for their generous support in various aspects, including food and beverages provided by BKK NEW YORK, Claude, Dagg Thai, Group B, Hug Snack, Kam Rai Thai, LUMLUM, MAY KAIDEE, Na Rath, Paleewong Trading Co Plc, Pranakhon, Thai Villa, and Zabb PuTawn Brooklyn, as well as special souvenirs from Thai Beverage Pl.