CLICK TO ENLARGE » Traditional outfit, Thai silk, courtesy Nilwan Jiraratwatana, Photograph Ed Giles.
CLICK TO ENLARGE » Satin gloves, tiara and veil, courtesy Tatiya Natee Hastie, Photograph Ed Giles.
Migrant Brides
In NSW, 63 per cent of Thai migrants are women. Many are married to
Australian-born men. As a result, the Thai community is not concentrated
in specific suburbs, unlike some other migrant groups in Sydney.
The experience of living in a cross-cultural relationship is highly relevant to the Thai community of Sydney. This heightens the experience of migration. Changes are not only in the external environment and culture, but within one's home.
The large proportion of women has greatly affected the shaping and character of the Thai community in Sydney. Traditionally Thai women play a supporting role to men and are referred to as 'the hind legs of the elephant'. In Thailand, women are the primary supporters of the sangha (monkhood) and are also often the driving force behind community organisations and small businesses. This has continued in Sydney, allowing Thai women to recreate their traditional roles as businesswomen, family members and community workers.