Mortar and pestle, courtesy Pornpan Ward, photograph Michaela Pollock.
Thai musical instrument, sor duang, courtesy Jeewana Dansawan.
Remembering Home
Most Thai migrants love their new homeland and the community
they have worked hard to create. They also maintain strong
links to Thailand, many returning regularly to visit. Thai
migrants hold strongly to their cultural traditions and the
items they bring with them from Thailand indicate their Thai
identity and the essence of their culture.
Handkerchiefs used for wiping
the mouth after chewing betel
nut, a common habit in rural
Southeast Asia. They are dark
in colour to hide the stains.
Courtesy Kanyarat Tresise.
Some items trigger a childhood memory, such as a mother's clothing or childhood toy. Other belongings evoke Thailand - a mortar and pestle bring back memories of streets lined with food stalls.