Flood Donations to Thailand

As you may all have heard, Thailand has undergone a flood crisis and is in desperate need of help. Thus we have created an online donation system, in addition to our Thai Tea Boba Sale on campus, to those who are interested in donating to help not only those who are affected but the entire country that is danger of sinking as well.

Please click on this link here in order to donate!

All donations will be made to the Red Cross specifically to this cause.

And please, whether it be $20, $10, $1, or even $.50 makes a huge difference. It's the thought and dedication that counts!

Have A Great Summer Break

We hope you all get a chance to enjoy your summer break... even if you're taking summer classes. To see a larger slideshow of pictures from this past school year, check out the About Us page.

Don't forget to check back often to see upcoming events going on in the summer and to find out more about things you can look forward to next year!

Wishing you all a Happy/Fun/Safe Summer! :)

-Thai Smakom

Congratulations to New TS Staff!

Congratulations!

To the newly elected Thai Smakom Officers for the 2011-2012 year:

Co-Presidents: Chanon Usawinchai and Jenny Summapund
Internal VP: Jane Pouvaranukoah
External VP: Alex Wo
Co-Culture Night Directors: Natsha Siri and Olivia Mekdara
Culture Night Producer: Parus Suraprasert
Secretary: Lany Chantharak
TASSEL Director: Prim Wangwongwiroj
Activities Director: Tom Pudpai

Last TASSEL of the Year

Saturday, May 14 · 9:30am - 12:30pm

Wat Thai of Los Angeles

This is our LAST TASSEL of this school YEAR!
Come out to help Thai Smakom tutor our last session with the K-12 students, and join us for our mini pizza party after as we say good bye to the tutees and our fun-filled year. For those of who haven't attended a TASSEL yet, this is your only chance before the year ends!

*TUTORS:
Dorms - Please meet up at De Neve turnaround at 9:15 am in order to leave by 9:30 am.

Apt - Let me know if you are interested, and we will arrange rides for you!

*TUTEES:
Bring any homework you may have! Whether it be AP, Honors, Advanced, SAT, etc., don't hesitate to bring them for help. We offer help in English, Math, and Science. Contact a Thai Smakom member for more information :) And please shoot us an email if you are interested in coming, as well as the subject you need help in so we can find the perfect tutor for you!

Hope to see you this SATURDAY!

email: tstutorial@gmail.com

Thai Smakom Election GM

Friday, May 6 · 6:00pm - 7:00pm

Room: MS 6201

ELECTION TIME!!!

Its really important to come out to this election and voice your input on who you think has what it takes to lead the club next year! Come out and VOTE!

Thank You!

On behalf of the entire cast/crew of Thai Culture Night 2011, I would like to thank everyone that helped make our show possible and everyone that attended our show! ขอบคุณค่ะ :)

If you attended our show and would like to give us feedback please fill out this short survey:
https://spreadsheets.google.com/viewform?hl=en&formkey=dG1SWWF1cFJlaWlLVG14U2NQdTEyZ0E6MQ#gid=0

If you didn't get to see our show or would like to rewatch it, please check it out here:
http://www.youtube.com/playlist?p=PLDF425AB42A7AC4E3

Visit our Culture Night page to see updated pictures and videos. Plus check out video from previous years! Thank you all for support!

We hope to bring you another amazing Culture Night show next year! :)

-Maple Schompoopong
Thai Culture Night Director/Producer 2011

Thai Smakom Curtain Call GM

Whats the best way to get over that CN hangover?? By coming out to GM!!

Monday, April 18 · 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Ackerman 3517

This is the last GM ever by this staff so don't miss it! We will be reflecting on our awesome Culture Night and the last few events we have to wrap up the year.

This won't be the last GM though. Confused? Its because from now on all GMs will be led by new staff!! Interested in running for a staff position? Come to GM to hear current members talk about their experiences this year!

Thai Culture Night Official Sponsors

Thai Culture Night 2011 Official Sponsors:

Thai Community Development Center (Thai CDC)

Thai Community Arts & Cultural Center (TCACC)

Associated Foreign Exchange (AFEX)

Continental Currency Services, Inc.

Thailand Vacation Tour

Emporium Thai Cuisine

Zarkesh Law

Bio 4 Plastic

Bin Tho Lao Bistro

Thank you all for your support! See you at our show!

- Thai Smakom UCLA

Thai Culture Night 2011- "BitterSweet / เปรี้ยว หวาน มัน "

It's Almost Here!!

The 13th Annual Thai Culture Night 2011 "BitterSweet / เปรี้ยว หวาน มัน "

"BitterSweet" is comprised of two intertwined storylines told together to show the value of family and culture in a modern day setting.

After losing their home due to the tough economy, Din and his family head to Kamphang Petch to stay with an old friend. When Din first arrives he has a Bitter encounter with Noot, a hard-working girl that is trying to help her dad open up a dessert store. Slowly, Din begins to grow closer to Noot and her dad. Eventually he learns of an upcoming food competition. Then meets a rival competitor of Noot's dad who makes Din an enticing offer and forces him to think about what a family really needs to be happy.

Our other storyline follows Din's friend, Gun, a modern day, tech-savvy guy that comes to Kamphang Petch to help Din and his family out. He arrives in Kamphang Petch and has a Sweet encounter with Dao, a traditional Thai music and dance teacher. As they start to get better acquainted with one another, they begin to realize that their cultures clash and the only way to get past their differences is to try and understand each other.

Will our characters have a Bitter or Sweet ending?

You'll have to come out to our 13th Annual Thai Culture Night to find out!

PERFORMANCES INCLUDE:
-Drama
-Look Toong (Thai Folk Music)
-Modern Dance
-Muay Thai (Thai Martial Arts)
-Traditional Thai Dances

DAY: Saturday, April 16th, 2011
TIME: Show starts at 7:00pm, Doors open at 6:30pm
PLACE: Schoenberg Hall, UCLA
COST: FREE! (But requires tickets)

TICKET INFORMATION:
UCLA students can pick up tickets at the Central Ticket Office starting Monday, April 11 with a valid BruinCard. (2 tickets per ID)

For non-UCLA guests, large parties, or will call, please email tcnfinance@gmail.com with the number of tickets needed and a name we can contact.

Visit the Culture Night 2011 page for additional information!

Thai Smakom Props Day: Part 2!

Saturday, April 2 · Starting at 11am
Front of SAC

Bring your hard hat along because we are gonna be building some of the most magnificent scenes you can imagine. From a decaying haunted house to a shining white hospital we will building each of these one brick at a time or rather one stroke of the brush at a time.

See your own visions come alive in this year's Culture Night as you add your free to add your ideas and personal touch to each of the backdrops we will be designing. Stay as long as you like and get a sneak peek into the production that is only 2 weeks away!

Songkran with Thai Smakom!

Sunday, April 3rd, 2011
Thai Town
10am-4pm

It's the biggest event of the Year. Songkran Weekend!! Come with Thai Smakom to this famous once-a-year event. Take a look at our brand new Culture Night booth for a sneak peek into our upcoming production. Enjoy food, fun and friends!

Come support our fellow members as they emcee the event. Join the entire community in celebrating the festivities. See stars from Thailand perform live on stage, watch as we crown a new Miss Thai New Year, and cheer on the Muay Thai fighters in the ring. Its guaranteed to be a great time so come out.

Rides will be provided, contact a staff member ASAP!

For more info:
http://thainewyear.com/en/index.aspx

Rides will be provided, contact a staff member ASAP!

3rd Annual Songkran After Party!

SINGHA PRESENTS:

3RD ANNUAL SONGKRAN AFTER-PARTY

SUNDAY APRIL 3RD, 2011 AT LEVEL 3

PERFORMANCE BY:
STUDIO B AND MOSQUITO BITE

DANCERS:
KIRA KAYE
ELLY SHEE

SUPPORTED BY:
NARIYA AND SOI56

BROUGHT TO YOU BY:
THE CELEBSPY AND FORTE

LEVEL 3
6801 HOLLYWOOD BLVD
HOLLYWOOD, CA 90028

9:30 PM TO 2:00AM
18 AND OVER TO PARTY
21 AND OVER TO DRINK

General Admission = $15.00
Admission through Thai Smakom = $10.00!

To reserve tickets e-mail:
tspresident@gmail.com

For more info:
www.songkranafterparty.com
www.fortesocial.com

Groove Riders LA Concert 2011

Take a trip with Thai Smakom to a party with the Groove Riders at their very first ever US tour! Renowned for their revival of funky disco tunes, Groove Riders will be performing live right here in LA!

Contact a staff member to reserve your tickets today! Tickets range from $55-65 and VIP tickets are available as well. Make sure to purchase your ticket from Thai Smakom as 10% of the cost will go towards helping the club in continuing to provide new and exciting events!


Create a playlist at MixPod.com

TS Reunion Dinner!

Don't forget about our TS Reunion Dinner this Sunday!


Catch up with each other after a long quarter and even meet some familiar faces from the past as Thai Smakom alumni will be joining us in the festivities. Ask these club legends about life after UCLA such as how to prep for graduate school, preparing for jobs, and much much more.

Price: $15
Drinks not included but refills are free
Dress Code: Semi-formal (same as previous banquets)

**Dorm people meet at De Neve turnaround at 4:45 PM

RSVP By FRIDAY at MIDNIGHT!

Last TASSEL of the Quarter [Wk 9]

Attend our last TASSEL of the quarter this Sat (3/5)!
We tutor students K-12 with any type of homework (English, Science, Math) as well as AP courses. Come out to either volunteer or get help - all for the betterment of our Thai community! :D

UCLA TUTORS:
- meet at De Neve Turnaround 9:15 am.
- wear UCLA t-shirt to be identifiable
- you get FREE FOOD after!

TUTEES:
- not limited to Wat Thai students. So bring all your friends that need help with homework!
- look for us on the 2nd floor in the classrooms at Wat Thai
- bring all your homework! AP courses included.

See you all there!
*PS PLEASE CONFIRM BY THURSDAY NIGHT FOR ATTENDANCE.
otherwise, you may not get a ride!

Thai Smakom Mystery GM!

Come out for the last GM of the quarter!!

After a long and strenuous quarter, come discover a TS conclusion to another chapter in our college life at this top secret GM. Even I don't know what crazy stuff we have planned this week. Join me in finding out the closing chapter to our epic quarter.

It doesn't take Sherlock Holmes to know that YOU should come to this final GM!

Time: Monday, Feb 28th- 5-6pm
Location: Viewpoint Conference Room B

Socials

Winter Quarter 2011

• Hiking Trip - Santa Monica Waterfalls: Saturday, January 22 · 8:30am - 2:00pm
• Boba Run- Volcano Tea: Friday, February 4, 2011 at 8:00pm
• Pink's Day- Pink's Hot Dog: Friday, February 11, 2011 at 7:00pm
• UCLA Wind Ensemble Concert w/ Thai Smakom- Schoenberg Hall: Wednesday, March 2, 2011 at 8:00pm
• Thai Smakom Reunion Dinner- Angel Thai House: Sunday at 6:00pm

CHECK BACK FOR UPCOMING ACTIVITIES FOR SPRING QUARTER!

Community

Help tutor students grades K-12 in subjects such as Math, Science, or English. Then enjoy an hour of creative fun as we get involved with some arts and crafts with our tutees to welcome the new year! :)

ATTN TUTORS:
Rides - Those from the dorms, pickup is in front of De Neve Turnaround @ 9:20 AM. Please be prompt for we leave at 9:30 AM sharp!

Those from apartments, we can arrange separate rides for those who are interested.


ATTN TUTEES:
Our Winter Quarter UCLA TS TASSEL sessions are on the following days: 1.15, 1.29, 2.5, 2.19, 2.26, and 3.5. Please shoot us an email for the subjects you need tutoring in, along with your full name and number.

All questions can be emailed to tstutorial@gmail.com.

Contact

E-mail Us!

General contact thaismakom@gmail.com

2010-2011 Board
Carolyn Wilder & Daniel Tevin, Co-Presidents tspresident@gmail.com
Ted Uotani, External Vice President tsvicepresident@gmail.com
Nikkie Suveerachaimontian, Internal Vice President tsinternal.vp@gmail.com
Maple Schompoopong, Culture Night Director/Producer tsculturenight@gmail.com
Jenny Summapund & Rebecca Starpornkul, Co- TASSEL Directors tstutorial@gmail.com
Chanon Usawinchai , Activities Director tsactivities@gmail.com
Jane Pouvaranukoah, Secretary tssecretary@gmail.com

Winter Quarter Updates

Welcome to Winter Quarter!

After getting a warm up to our club during Fall Quarter, the excitement is now growing as we kick off the new year with updates on Thai Smakom's 2011 Culture Night!

Our CN Director, Maple, has been working hard to get the funding and the script ready to successfully present to you our Culture Night. As of this week (week 2), our first Muay Thai and Hip Hop practices have started and our drama auditions are ongoing until tomorrow, Friday the 14th. Contact Maple for more information :)

Our general meetings will be every Wednesdays of even week from 5 pm-6pm at Ackerman Viewpoint Conference Room A/B. General meetings are worth it, we promise! Come out to learn and get in touch with Thai heritage and culture, as well as receive updates on our upcoming creative social events! You also get to meet new friends and go to new places in LA that maybe you've never even heard of before :)

There will be more updates as we go, but as of right now we are focused on more social events and culture night for this quarter.

Tata for now, and we'll try to update more as we slowly learn how to figure out the kinks of this blogger :)