The Presenter: Patnarin Plogmai is from Southern Thailand. She is currently studying at Denver University working on a master’s on Curriculum and Instructions. Patnarin has a BA in Thai Literature, and an MA in Hindu.
In the Presenter’s Own Words: My name is Patnarin Plongmai, and I am a Thai national with a deep interest in cultural history, food, and identity. Growing up in Southern Thailand, I was surrounded by the rich traditions of Thai, Malay, and Chinese communities. From an early age, I learned the meaning of heritage through family rituals, traditional festivals, and especially through cooking with my grandmother.
Although I identify as Thai, I have realized that Hokkien Chinese culture has been an integral part of my daily life-from the language I hear at home, to the festivals I celebrate, to the snacks I grew up eating. This personal connection inspired me to explore the intersections of migration, cultural blending, and identity, and to share these stories with others.
Through this presentation, I aim to show how culture is not only preserved through history but also lived and experienced in everyday life, and how even something as small as a snack can reflect generations of blending, harmony, and connection.
The presentation will end with a demonstration and taste of a traditional Thai-Chinese New Year dessert called “Kanom Ko” (A glutinous dumpling filled with palm sugar, boiled in water and covered with coconut flakes).
