Anurak Studio: Who are we?

A little back story of the Thais and Burmese here in Penang. In 1845, Queen Victoria had given a piece of land as a gesture to promote trade with the Siam to Aroonratana and Sararaks - the two only Thai clans found in Penang, now, this small village called Kampung Siam (Siamese Village) is well-held up by family relations. Nai Chan Dee Aroonratnaa was one of the first descendants who started the Manora performance in Penang - followed by the late Wan Dee Aroonratana and later on, passed down to his children. What is so unique about this village is its unending flow of culture and art as this village was used as a boxing camp back in the day. 

However, after the passing of the late Wan Dee Aroonratana, many things were left behind. Memories of the place were left with the family, as a familiar presence was no longer found, but the art and culture still remained, and it remained strong within the family. 

Formed in October 2021 by Charmrath Aroonratana, the studio is aimed to inherit and preserve the Thai art and culture in Penang. It goes without saying that Thailand is well known for its unique and wonderful picturesque destinations, delicious foods, and majestic scenery, but most of all for its unique and beautiful culture - such as traditional percussions for dancers, shadow play, and martial arts. Personally, Charmrath finds that art and culture come a long way. Every country, race and religion has its very own unique culture. Each and every one of them is uniquely different from the others. But, as time goes by, we tend to get carried away with our modern society. He expressed that in this modern era of time, we, who are in art and culture are being left behind with time, forgotten and soon, extinct. He urges that if we do not do anything about it, this culture, this art, will soon be long gone. 

"Anurak" in Thai is a verb which means to conserve, to take care of, to preserve, to guard. It conveys a message of rich, nuanced meaning that is close to its Pali roots: To be imbued with the quality of protecting, sheltering, and caring. 

Anurak Studio is exactly that. Specialising in Thai Martial Arts such as Krabi Krabong, Muay Boran, and Muay Thai with other forms of art such as Manora, Nang Yai, and Khon, Charmrath hopes that this studio would be a beacon of light to the cultures of Thailand, the roots of his ancestors and his family's heritage. 

"Art and culture plays an important role not only to us, but to the world. It reveals how unique and different each and every one of us truly are. It makes us who we are, an identity to where we are from." - Charmrath Aroonratana.