Nakrob MOONMANAS
Grants
To explore international constructions of Thai identity and the lived experiences of Thai diasporic communities through researching Chang and Eng Bunker, conjoined twins brought to the U.S. from Siam in the 18th century. Moonmanas believes the Bunker brothers reflect an early history of displacement and Siam-U.S. cross-cultural encounters and raise deep questions about memory, migration, and the formation of identity. Through archival research and interviews with the twins’ descendants, he hopes to understand how their story has been remembered, interpreted, and connected to broader narratives of Thai diasporic experiences. Meeting members of New York’s Thai community, especially arts and culture professionals, as well as scholars and artists who work on Southeast Asian history and contemporary art will further enhance his research and international networks.
To explore international constructions of Thai identity and the lived experiences of Thai diasporic communities through researching Chang and Eng Bunker, conjoined twins brought to the U.S. from Siam in the 18th century. Moonmanas believes the Bunker brothers reflect an early history of displacement and Siam-U.S. cross-cultural encounters and raise deep questions about memory, migration, and the formation of identity. Through archival research and interviews with the twins’ descendants, he hopes to understand how their story has been remembered, interpreted, and connected to broader narratives of Thai diasporic experiences. Meeting members of New York’s Thai community, especially arts and culture professionals, as well as scholars and artists who work on Southeast Asian history and contemporary art will further enhance his research and international networks.