The sounds of traditional Thai music filled the HUB-Robeson Center last night as the Thai Student Association (TSA) celebrated the culture of Thailand with performances, dances and ethnic foods.

About 200 people attended the event with the theme of "Chao Phraya - The River of Life."

"Since ancient times, Thai people settled by the banks of the rivers. The Chao Phraya provides livelihood of the people and led to the civilization of Thai people," Johanna Yngvason, one of the emcees, explained to the audience. "Belief and faith are linked to the rivers and streams."

Yngvason added that the river plays an important role in the national religion of Buddhism.

Kritika Trakoolngam, the other emcee, added to Yngvason's explanation and reinforced the river's importance. "It reflects our cuisine and belief and faith and traditions," Trakoolngam said.

The night's menu, which was divided into vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes and included kai yang takrai, a grilled chicken with Thai herbs; pad pak ruam, a variety of stir-fried vegetables; and tofu kratiem priktai, a dish sautéed with garlic and pepper sauce, was served by TSA members dressed in traditional Thai clothing and makeup.

Desserts included sakoo nam kati, tapioca balls in coconut milk, and mor kang, a Thai version of egg custard.

As the audience ate, a media presentation featuring videos and photos of Thai attractions, landscapes and nature gave facts on the country of Thailand, located in the southeast region of Asia.

"I love Thai food," Joanna McCarty, of State College, said.

McCarty said that she was invited by two members of TSA and that she was looking forward to the dances.

A procession by the members of TSA celebrating the Loi Krathong Festival and Khongkha, the river goddess, was the first performance of the night after the dinner. The next event was the Rabum Dokboa, a traditional dance involving the lotus, a symbol of spirituality and luck, which is an important part of Thai culture.

The Serng Kratip was an upbeat ensemble depicting the people of northeastern Thailand. Each of the dancers wore the kratip, a basket used to hold rice during the harvest season.

The rest of the performances included the Manohra Buchayan, the dance of the mythical half-bird, half-human princess; Deaw Khim, a classical music instrumental solo; Serng Sa-Wing, a folk song; and a dance of the five gems, the Rabum Benjarat.

A variety of Thai crafts were also on sale, including clothing, pillowcases, scarves, jewelry, candles and purses.

Nattapol Tangsuphoom, president of TSA, said the event was a chance to spread some aspects of Thai life in the community. "We want to promote and educate people of our unique culture," Tangsuphoom said.