Penn State Thai Festival, September 25, 2011

Thai Night 2011: Welcome to the Land of Smiles
by Ms. Diyaporn Wisamitanan
To understand different culture, visiting a country event might be a short cut to get a glimpse of the country. The Thai Night 2011: A Walk Through Thai Temple Fair, which was held from 6.30 – 9 pm on Sunday 25 September 2011 became huge success. 200 tickets were sold out and there were still some people who would like to join, but couldn’t get tickets.
Successfully, I sold 19 tickets for Humphrey fellows & family, coordinator, host family, my English language partner and roommates.
In this event, guests would get a chance to eat Thai recipes and iced tea with milk ( my favorite drink back home), watch traditional performances, get a small token from Thailand, learn how to make paper fish and traditional flag, and see Thai products exhibition.
All Thai students wore traditional costumes to serve food. I looked for a chance to wear my Thai outfits so this was a good time. Back home, we Thais rarely wear Thai outfits; we wear them for special events, for example, wedding days, big ceremony and performance. That’s all. I found that nowadays many countries has encountered this problem; wearing traditional costume is becoming out-of-fashion even the government has promoted civil officers to wear it in a workplace and in school.
I felt like I was in Thailand, eating Thai food, wearing Thai costumes, seeing Thai dance, working harmoniously with other Thai students.
Surprisingly, there are only about 80 students in Penn State University, fewer than Chinese, Korean, Indian, but the Thai Night proved that we Thai were as united and strong as other communities.

Talat & Jane were touched knowing that 6 Humphrey fellows joined the event so I did a paper interview why they joined and what did they feel about the event. Reading their feedbacks, I was thrilled to know that they all were curious to learn about Thai culture and they really had a good time in the event. Being Humphrey fellow from Thailand, some friends would like to know more about me. Some said they felt like they were in Thailand where people were friendly and smiley and food’s very yummy.



Vanhkham, Laos: I would like to know how the Thai Night will look like and curiously to know what are the shows that will be performed in the event. That was very fantastic event. It was very well organized and well prepared. It is showing the strong organization of Thai Student Association, event they are not more than 100 people comparing to Chinese, Korean and Indian students in Penn State. But they have done wonderful job in order to present Thai's culture and traditional.

Diana, Poland: I primarily decided to attend the Thai Night event because I consider you my friend and would like to know more about the culture of your country. This was also the main reason I volunteered to help as well as because it was a good opportunity to meet other Thai students, do something for your community and because I know I could count on you if I needed help to prepare my national event and in any other case.

Khyati, India: The event was excellent and the arrangement was good. I like the way we served on the table by Thai people. The exhibition of Thai items was also good. However during program I felt that It would be good if they include some Thai manners and disciplines instead of only traditional dance. The girls in traditional dress were looking very pretty. My daughter didn't want to come out from that event. I came to know about Thai event from you. I was excited to see Thailand. Even after belong to Asia, I have never been to Thailand. I thought this might be a good idea to get some insights about Thailand and Thai culture. So me and my husband with our little angel joined Thai night.

Tatjana, Slovenia: Because I always want to know about different cultures of the people I meet. As you are my classmate and also my roommate both are Thai I like to know more about your traditions. I was really amazed about the organization and about everything that was presented. You're really doing an excellent job in representing your country to all of us! I was very impressed

Denise, Brazil: Because I want to know more about Thai culture and also because I was invited by an enthusiastic Thai friends. The event was beyond my expectation. The girls were beautifully dressed with Thai costumes. Everyone’s very kind, smiley and attentive. The show was well-prepared. The presenter was extremely natural and charming. It was a great event for Sunday evening. Enjoyed very much.

Alex, Mexico: I WANTED TO SHARE SOME TIME WITH MY HOST FAMILY AND LEARN ABOUT SOME OF THE THAI CULTURE AS WELL. THE PROGRAM WAS INTERESTING: FOOD, DANCE AND CRAFTS. EVEN IF I HAD INFORMATION ABOUT THAILAND BECAUSE A FRIEND WAS LIVING THERE, I WANTED TO KNOW PEOPLE THAT IS ANOTHER WAY TO KNOW PART OF THE COUNTRY. THE EVENT EXCEED ALL MY EXPECTATIONS: MY HOST FAMILY WAS SUPER HAPPY! WE HAD A GREAT NIGHT OF FUN, LAUGHS, GOOD FOOD AND WE MET NICE PEOPLE.

Thanks all friends for your support. Also, special thanks to Diana, from Poland, who volunteered to help me decorate the hall and serve Thai food.