Pi Mai: Lao/Thai/Cambodian New Year in the Time of COVID-19
Pi Mai is the Laotian New Year (also known as Songkran). It is a time of renewal. But how are Lao, Thai, and Cambodian celebrants dealing with this holiday during a time of sheltering at home, closed businesses, and a raging pandemic?
We'll talk with four community activists about New Years in the age of the coronavirus.
This program is generously supported by the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative and a collaborative of local funders and donors. We are grateful for their support and hope others will follow their example to support the Club during these uncertain times.
United States
Amy Chomthakham
Former President, Laotian American Society; Former CEO, Atlanta Hydraulic Systems; Former Manager, Bank of America; Former Operations Manager, M & S Home Care
Bounchanh Senthavong
Former President, Union for Lao Nation (2015–2019); Community Activist; Former Secretary-General, Union for Lao Nation and Laotian Human Rights Council; Co-founder, Lao American Women Association, Washington, D.C. Area
Dr. Watt Sengkhyavong
Ph.D., Community Activist, Lao Global Heritage Alliance, Lao Heritage Foundation, Lao American Women Association, and Wat Lao Buddhavong, Washington, D.C. Area
David Phommavong
Community Activist; Child Autism Advocate, Lao Autism Center, Vientiane Lao PDR; Former IT Executive
Michelle Meow
Producer and Host, “The Michelle Meow Show”; Member, Commonwealth Club Board of Governors—Co-Host
John Zipperer
Producer and Host, Week to Week Political Roundtable; Vice President of Media & Editorial, The Commonwealth Club—Co-Host
