Thailand’s Creativity and Innovation on Display at Glamorous Manhattan Event
Thai Next: Glamorous, Glorious, Global was a fabulous one-night-only experience celebrating the future of Thai creativity, spanning food, fashion, live music, and dance reimagined for a global stage.
Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT)’s New York Office presented THAI NEXT: GLAMOROUS – GLORIOUS – GLOBAL, an exclusive cultural showcase hosted by the Royal Thai Consulate-General in New York and in collaboration with the Thai Theatre Foundation. Photos by: Cyril Marion; The Royal Thai Consulate New York.
Held on Saturday, May 24th, 2025 at Lavan Chelsea (541 W 25th St, New York, NY 10001), the purpose of the evening was to showcase the progress of traditional Thai culture in the contemporary international space.
From the catering, which was a buffet of appetizer samples provided by some of New York City’s finest and most innovative Thai restaurants, to the guest list, which included media and travel influencers, to the performance lineup, which featured dazzling beauty and talent, this was a night demonstrating the incredible range and dedication of Thai creators.
Invited guests were asked to attend wearing smart summer casual or glamorous Thai style—and there was a fair share of stunning Thai silks and tailored fabrics across all genders in the room. (Thailand is widely recognized for its vibrant and high-quality fabrics, particularly Thai silk. The country boasts a rich history of textile production, blending traditional handwoven techniques with modern manufacturing, and it was a stylish sample of Thai fabric that was offered to those who attended as a parting gift.)
Guests mixed and mingled, some made new acquaintances, and enjoyed sipping on signature beverages and Thai beer. The inner space at Lavan Chelsea was transformed into a fashion runway with a showcase by Brooklyn-based Sirini, featuring models Mimi Tao, Tiffany Sarn, Sasithorn Panichnok, and more. Tao is best known for being the first transgender model to appear on the reality television show series, Project Runway.
There was also a modern Thai music concert with sets from Sorawat Ruangamporn, Sathapat Sangsuwan, and Chamni Sripraram, combined with stunning Thai dance performances by Waewdao Sirisook and Keerati Jinakunwiphat.
Hosted by the handsome and eloquent Sai Somboon, speakers and special guests included Ms. Somjai Taphaopong, Consul General of Thailand in New York and Keng S. Meateanuwat, Thai Theatre Foundation.
Thailand’s popularity as a top travel destination stems from its friendly people, diverse attractions, including stunning natural beauty, rich culture, and delicious cuisine. This event affirmed all of that and more.
If you’d like to find out about the next LGBTQ trip from the United States to Thailand, read all about it here.
Watch the slideshow to see more of THAI NEXT: GLAMOROUS – GLORIOUS – GLOBAL:
