As a Thai who writes in a language that is not her native tongue, I have a soft spot for those who engage in the same pursuit, especially if they can do it better than I (which really shouldn’t number too many!). In any case, when I received an invitation, followed by a call from Jane N Vejjajava, for the launch of Chamnongsri Rutnin’s latest collection of poems and prose, how could I say no?
Khunying Chamnongsri Hanchanlash, the name by which she is known in society, is one of the few Thais who are equally at home writing in Thai or English. Jane, enterprising managing director of Silkroad Publishers Agency and publisher of the second edition of khunying’s book, On the White Empty Page, was our host for the evening.
I notice that it is becoming fashionable to hold a function earlier in the evening. This one started at 5.30 pm and by the time I arrived a bit after this, the room was almost full. Jane’s father, Dr. Athasit Vejjajiva, was circulating among the guests, while Jane herself was parlez-vous-ing with French ambassador HE Christian Prettre. I didn’t see her well-known politician brother, Abhisit Vejjajiva, though. Khunying Chamnongsri was receiving the guests, including Varapoj and Pasherin Snidvongse, Khunying Songsuda Yodmani, Suda Panomyong and Thongchai and Monthira Lamsam.
During the reception, the guests had time to admire the exhibition of mixed media paintings by Bannarak Nakbunlung, whose simple geometric forms on white provide the right balance to the poems of Khunying Chamnongsri, and are used to illustrate the book. Then it was time for the reading of works from the book and the first to come on was Marisa Sukosol Nunbhakdi. Her voice sounds just as melodious whether she is singing or reading. Doan Charoenngarm, of the Kiss of the Spider Woman fame, alternated with Marisa to read their favourite selections.
I was among the first to leave, but not because I was not enjoying myself. On the contrary, this was an event which appeals to the intellect, which does not happen very often. I just wished I didn’t have to leave to go to another fashion show!
From: THAILAND TATLER , January 2002