Thai dancers at Loy Khathong ceremony, Washington, DC

The Thai women introduced in this website are not refugees; they chose to immigrate to the United States by their own will. The political history of Thailand differs from many other Southeast Asian nations. However, Thailand plays an important role in the history of Southeast Asian American immigrants. Many Southeast Asian refugees arrived in the United States through Thai refugee camps.

Today there are over 120,000 people of Thai ancestry in the United States. Washington D.C. is the fourth largest Thai community in the nation with numerous cultural associations for Thai Americans. These associations contribute to education and commerce among community members.

One important component of Thai culture is Buddhism. Faith is a critical part of Thai identity, and Thai communities across the United States have many temples (wat) as their religious and cultural centers. Temples, such as Wat Thai of Washington, D.C. and Wat Tummaprateip Virginia-Washington D.C., actively participate in local events, introducing Thai culture to the American public as well as fostering a strong Thai community. The temples celebrate various holidays and festivals, the most popular being Thai New Year and Loy Krathong. Every November, people gather to mark Loy Krathong with a ceremony consisting of floating small rafts decorated with incense, flowers, and candles on a river. In Washington, DC, this ceremony takes place on the Reflecting Pool on the National Mall. Prayer, food, and many times traditional dance recitals accompany the Loy Krathong ceremony making it a community festival.

In the following interviews, we present the talents and spirits of four Thai American women. As role models and professionals, these women demonstrate courage and determination and a strong work ethic that make their dreams come true.