MADAM SONGKHLA

Meet Madam Wandee Songkhla, Founder of the Wandee Culinary School, and doyen of the cooking school scene in Thailand. An affable and elegant lady who oozes old world charm, she is the walking defintion of a career woman at the forefront of her industry. The Songkhla name is legendary as it was awarded by King Rama V almost 150 years ago, when the family was given jurisdiction over a large province, and exerted much influence. Madam's own family also carries pedigree, her mother the matriarch was an accomplished chef from whom Madam acquired her skills, before marrying a Songkhla. The rest is now history. A prolific writer Madam is a leading figure on 'the first literature ever in ancient Thai cuisine & recipes' dating back to King Rama II. Some of her publications are translated into English & even Japanese. She is recognized not only in this country, but overseas via her network with the Thai ambassadorial and consular corp. In her 70s Madam is full of energy, and very driven as Wandee's CEO. She still teaches Home Economics regularly at the Women's College which is located in the Royal Palace grounds. I watched her preside over a 'staff meeting' at the school, and no one could miss those piercingly inquisitive and watchful eyes ... even though she calls her staff, all young women by the way, 'my daughters'. However, as we sat down to chat, those same eyes changed their tone to kindness and encourgement, which reminded me of my own grandmother.

After the due diligence, including an on-site visit, I was comfortable with the decision to enroll at Wandee. Today I am totally convinced this is where I will learn my keeps in Thai cooking. I look forward to be personally taught by Madam, and who would'nt?