Artist with Thai textile communities (2023) by Marisa SrijunpleangU.S. Embassy Bangkok
Weaving Our Stories Together
We celebrate the 190th anniversary of U.S.-Thai diplomatic relations by spotlighting the intricate art of textile creation. This is a powerful metaphor, illustrating the dedicated and multifaceted journey of building resilient communities across diverse cultures.
Amanda Phingbodhipakkiya, an American-Thai artist, deeply committed to learning and connection, spent months of engagement with American and Thai weaving communities and artisans. The encounters became a wellspring of inspiration for her artistic endeavors in Thailand.
Map of the artist's journey in Thailand (2024) by U.S. Embassy BangkokU.S. Embassy Bangkok
Threads of Thailand
These meaningful stories have been observed and interpreted through the eyes of the artist. As the thread that weaves the stories of two cultures together, Amanda has taken a one-of-a-kind journey traveling to 42 communities in every region throughout Thailand.
From July to August 2023, Amanda explored local cultures and learned the local wisdom of textile making including cotton weaving, silk weaving, natural color dyeing, Royal Khon performance embroidery, hill tribe weaving, batik painting, upcycled plastic weaving and many more.
Northern Thailand
Artist with Thai textile communities (2023) by Marisa SrijunpleangU.S. Embassy Bangkok
Amanda was learning traditional silk making with Aunties who have passed down these techniques at Baan Pa Toom-Pa Tai Museum, Baan Nong Khae, Sakon Nakhon. This museum was founded in 2015 by the SUPPORT Foundation of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit The Queen Mother.
Map of the artist's journey in Thailand (2024) by U.S. Embassy BangkokU.S. Embassy Bangkok
Northeastern Thailand
Artist Amanda Phingbodhipakkiya studying a loom with Auntie Tongrak Suddee at Roi Rak Silk Weaving Group in Roi Et in the Northeastern of Thailand.
Artist with Thai textile communities (2023) by Marisa SrijunpleangU.S. Embassy Bangkok
Artist Amanda Phingbodhipakkiya examining praewa silk weaving technique at Baan Nhong Chang Praewa Silk Weaving Community Enterprise in Kalasin.
Map of the artist's journey in Thailand (2024) by U.S. Embassy BangkokU.S. Embassy Bangkok
Eastern Thailand
Artist Amanda Phingbodhipakkiya weaving a recycled paper basket with a community member at Baan Wangwa Government Housing Complex, Rayong.
Map of the artist's journey in Thailand (2024) by U.S. Embassy BangkokU.S. Embassy Bangkok
Southern Thailand
Artist with Thai textile communities (2023) by Marisa SrijunpleangU.S. Embassy Bangkok
Artist Amanda Phingbodhipakkiya inspecting a traditional batik stamp with Khru Thaninthorn Raksawong, the founder of Dahla Batik in Krabi.
Continue your journey of weaving and read more about Behind the Fabrics
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