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The Thai Cultural Association, Wales

The Thai Cultural Association, Wales developed from the Thai Dance Group, which was formed in 2001 at the Dylan Thomas Centre.

At that time Sean Keir was looking for a group of Thai dancers to perform at the Dylan Thomas Centre. The association is most grateful to him for the initiative which has grown from strength to strength.  For the past four years the group has been working hard to promote Thai Culture through the medium of music and cuisine – attempting to raise awareness within the community and beyond

The driving force behind the Thai dance group is Poranee James (pictured left).  In her early years, Poranee attended the private “Nattasin Sampan” school of dancing apart from her full time education.   Whist studying at Suan Sunandha Palace School and Triam Udon Suksa Pre University School she was put in charge of teaching dances and performed in all schools’ events.  She became a very famous dancer on Thai Television. Poranee performed an extensive and varied repertoire of both folk and classical dances regularly for a period of 10 years on Thai Television. This included video tapes of her dances which were sent to different part of Thailand and the world.

Poranee also performed on many occasions in front of the King and Queen and foreign dignitaries. While studying in the UK she represented the Thai Government performing her dances at the Commonwealth Institute in London, the Consular Ball in Birmingham, The Anglo Thai Gala Evening at the Café Royal in London and many other places.

On returning to her home country and whilst working in the Office of the Executive Secretary, United Nations, Bangkok, Thailand, she also taught foreign diplomats and UN staff to perform Thai dances at the UN Gala Evening and also at The Old England Students Association.

At present she lives in Wales and as well as working full time she also teaches both classical and folk dances on Sunday afternoon.   The individual members are encouraged to develop their own personal skills, self esteem and confidence within the association and beyond.  This has enabled them to make a positive contribution within the local community and principality.