Chinese acrobats thrill at Pattaya Orphanage fundraiser

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Fifty award-winning Chinese acrobats brought magic of the snow-covered Tian Shan mountain range in northwest China to the Pattaya Orphanage for a charity performance celebrating the impending start of the “Year of the Goat”.

The Acrobatic Troupe of Xianjing, brought to Thailand by Thai-Chinese magician Chanai Sangthongsuk to celebrate Chinese New Year, entertained 1,300 kids and adults Feb. 7 in a charity performance to raise money for the orphans.

(From left) Fr. Michael Weera, guest of honor Dr. Chatchai Saengsuriyachat, and his wife enjoying the show. (From left) Fr. Michael Weera, guest of honor Dr. Chatchai Saengsuriyachat, and his wife enjoying the show.

Orphanage Director Rev. Michael Weera Phangrak welcomed all the guests and thanked them for contributing. He also welcomed host and benefactor Chatchai Saengsuriyachat, a Thai-Chinese herb specialist.

Dr. Chatchai Saengsuriyachat and Father Michael Weera exchange presents.Dr. Chatchai Saengsuriyachat and Father Michael Weera exchange presents.

The crowd gasped and awed at the jumps, flips, twists and juggles of the acrobats, who’ve won 10 international-competition medals.

Among the performances, which the troupe is also performing in Bangkok through Feb. 22, are two signature performances: “Pagoda of Iron Men” and “Queen of Tian Shan”, which won gold medals at 2014 National Acrobat Competition in the men’s and women’s categories, respectively.