A COMMUNITY’S cultural heritage is something that should be preserved and not let it fade away over time, says Penang Siamese Association chairman Boon Leua Aroonratana.
Boon said his association has been actively involved in carrying out Thai community-related activities and programmes to pass down cultural knowledge.
“For instance, we conduct lessons on the Thai language at Watnai Thai Buddhist Temple in Jalan Masjid Negeri for the younger ones.
“We believe it is important to preserve our mother tongue,” he said during a recent interview with the Buletin Mutiara team at Kampung Siam (Siam Village).
The Penang Siamese Association was honoured recently by George Town World Heritage Incorporated (GTWHI) with the ‘GTWHI Heritage Recognition and Awards 2020’.
The association, which was established in 1976, was awarded under the Cultural Continuity Recognition Award category (silver status).
Boon’s late father Wandee Aroonratana, also fondly known as Noo Wan, was a famous Thai Menora performer, and was conferred the ‘Lifetime Achievement Award (Dedication on Knowledge Transmission)’ by GTWHI.
However, just a few months before the award ceremony was held in January this year, the talented Noo Wan passed away at the age of 98, on Oct 28, 2021.
Apart from that, Boon said to ensure the continuity of Siamese cultural identity in Penang, Kampung Siam must be preserved.
“The grant for this land was given to us on May 30, 1845 by the Queen of England for the Burmese and Siamese communities’ religious purposes.
“We are the third generation living in this village and it must be saved from being demolished by a private developer.
“We want to ensure that the village remains as a cultural identity for the Thai community which was also my late father’s desire.
“We also want to make Kampung Siam the office of Penang Siamese Association,” he added.
According to Boon, the association has participated in various events held in Penang, namely the George Town Festival.
“Our association has also been involved in various charitable activities, especially during the Covid-19 pandemic.
“What matters the most is the cultural continuity. It should never vanish,” Boon reaffirmed.
Story by Tanushalini Moroter
Pix by Darwina Mohd Daud