Diplomatic spouses show their 'Thai side' for a palace restoration project

The ladies of the diplomatic corps, led by the spouses of ambassadors serving in Thailand, organised the "Exotic Thai Extravaganza" in conjunction with the YWCA Bangkok to celebrate His Majesty the King's 80th birthday and to raise funds for the restoration of the beautiful gardens at Mrigadayawan Palace in Cha-Am.

The royal garden was designed and executed by noted landscape architect ML Poomchai Chumbala, who opened his traditional Thai home for the event.

The house, once featured in the pages of Architectural Digest magazine, showcased the best in Thai architecture as well as royal artefacts and family heirlooms dating back to the Rama IV period. Dressed in a humble mohom, ML Poomchai proved once again to be an unbeatable host going as far as to do the floral arrangements himself using flowers grown in his garden.

Upon entering the atrium of his stately home, guests were welcomed with traditional Thai melodies performed on a guzheng by Ajaan Aphichai Ponglerler.

YWCA President Jareed Ongkasuwan was seen milling among the guests which included Margot Yrarrazaval, friend and confidant of the late Jackie Kennedy Onassis, Khunying Chodchoi Soponpanich, Vorachan Vinyarat, the Purswani family, Delia Oakins, Franza Chakrabandhu and Parichat Xumsai, to name a few.

Emcee Drew Noyes, in a blue Thai silk praratchathan, was assisted by the YWCA's Noreerat Nopatanaporn looking elegant in a sleeveless ensemble of off-white Thai silk and a scarf.

Thai children, aged 10 to 12 years, of the Foster Child Programme performed a traditional Thai dance and later a khon mask dance to the delight of their international audience, coming from as far afield as Argentina, Australia, Belgium, Chile, Denmark, India, Japan, The Netherlands, Peru, The Philippines, Portugal, Switzerland and the United States.

Helen Paterson, wife of the Australian ambassador, led the diplomatic spouses and honorary models in a fashion show of old Thai period costumes and exotic jewellery, courtesy of Ajaan Komol Phanichphant, who designed the costumes for the "River of Kings" performances, the movie "Suriyothai", Miss Thailand Universe and the annual Mae Fah Luang Festival.

Among the diplomatic spouses were Agnes Matthyson, wife of the Belgian ambassador; Princess Ambara Baratawidjaya of Java, of the Embassy of Chile; Toshiko Kobayashi, wife of the Japanese ambassador; Nichole Anne Maria Keulers Hanns of the Netherlands Embassy; Mary Janette A Rondriques, wife of the Philippine ambassador; Maria de Faria e Maya, wife of the Portuguese ambassador; Daniela Lauer of the Swiss Embassy; Helen Lynch of the US Embassy. The honorary models included Miss Thailand World 2006 Melisa Mahapol; Juvady Leopairat, Lantip Devadasin; Linda Jane True; Marut and Natrika Ho; Miss Naiyana Purswani; Napaporn Apaiwong; Nareerat Tangthansup; Nitaya Noyes, Suthinee and Treeyatorn Jiratritan.

Featured guest singers were MR Malinee and Claudia Chakrabhandhu and Vasu Sangsingkeo who were accompanied by guest guitarist Tanapat Mathayomchan.

Following the delicious buffet dinner, Ajaan Adisorn Pornsrikan demonstrated the skills that has made his watercolour paintings much sought-after. His painting of red roses was later auctioned off with emcee Drew Noyes wielding the hammer. Other donated items such as gold jewellery and watercolour paintings by Australian artist Adele Perry sold in no time at all, raising money for a worthy cause.

Cora Sukhyanga

The Nation