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.

 

Chan Zuckerberg Initiative

Speakers

Amy Chomthakham

Former President, Laotian American Society; Former CEO, Atlanta Hydraulic Systems; Former Manager, Bank of America; Former Operations Manager, M & S Home Care

Image - Bounchanh Senthavong

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

Image - David Phommavong

David Phommavong

Community Activist; Child Autism Advocate, Lao Autism Center, Vientiane Lao PDR; Former IT Executive

Image - Michelle Meow

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