Candidate for
President Elect
Panawan “Tookie” Clayton
San Francisco, CA
Founder & President, The Bamboo Voice Organization
Statement of Interest
As both a survivor and an advocate, community work is deeply personal for Tookie. Her upbringing in rural Thailand and years of assisting survivors give her insight into the struggles faced by immigrant families, low-income workers, and vulnerable Thai communities. Through her marriage to Thomas Clayton and participation in Silicon Valley social and business circles, she has built strong interpersonal and networking skills—allowing her to connect with individuals from many professional backgrounds.
Vision for the Thai Americans Samakkee Coalition
1. Rebuild Trust and Unity Across Thai-American Communities
Prioritizing transparency, equal representation, and collaboration among different regions and groups.
2. Strengthen National Partnerships Fostering cooperation between Thai organizations, nonprofits, business communities, cultural councils, and government agencies.
3. Modernize Outreach Through Digital & Social Media Creating educational, engaging, and accessible online programming for Thais of all ages.
4. Host National Thai Leadership & Cultural Summits Organizing large-scale events in major U.S. cities with strong Thai populations (San Francisco, Los Angeles, Seattle, Chicago, New York).
5. Build a Nationwide Support Network Connecting communities with resources, sponsors, emergency assistance, and expert support across states.
Leadership Philosophy
Relationships build trust.
Trust builds credibility.
Credibility builds success.
Tookie believes that with unity, transparency, and community-centered leadership, the Thai-American community can thrive stronger than ever.
Bio
Panawan “Tookie” Clayton
Founder & President, The Bamboo Voice Organization (501c3)
Former AMLAM & DV Advocate, Asian Women’s Shelter – San Francisco
Admin, Thai Community in America – Thai Census in America (2017–Present)
Thai-American Community Leader | Survivor-Advocate | Producer
Introduction
Panawan “Tookie” Clayton is a Thai-American community leader whose work centers on survivor advocacy, community empowerment, storytelling, and relationship-building across diverse sectors. With both lived experience and professional expertise, she is committed to uplifting marginalized voices and strengthening unity within the Thai-American community. She is a strong candidate for the role of President-Elect of the Thai Americans Samakkee Coalition, bringing heart, resilience, and strategic leadership.
Early Life & Personal Journey Born in Songkhla, Thailand, and raised in a rural community, Tookie grew up with limited resources but limitless dreams. She believed that education, self-development, and personal discipline were the keys that would allow her to see the world beyond her village.
Her journey to the United States, however, was marked by hardship. As a young woman navigating a new life, she became a survivor of domestic violence—an experience that transformed her perspective on justice, compassion, and community support.
With the help of advocates, social workers, and the kindness of strangers, she rebuilt her life and emerged stronger. Her personal history fuels her lifelong commitment to helping others who face similar struggles.
Professional & Community Experience (2017–Present)
**1. Asian Women’s Shelter, San Francisco AMLAM & Domestic Violence Advocate (2017–2022)**
● Assisted Thai and Asian survivors of domestic violence and human trafficking
● Provided crisis support, safety planning, case management, and interpretation
● Worked closely with police officers, attorneys, hospitals, and government agencies
● Advocated for culturally appropriate services for Asian survivors
**2. Board Treasurer Thai Unity Community (2017–2022)**
● Managed budgets, financial transparency, and reporting
● Helped coordinate community events and volunteer programs
**3. Co-Host Thai Samakkee Summit – San Francisco (2023)**
● Led a major Thai-American community gathering
● Facilitated collaboration between Thai organizations and leaders across the Bay Area
**4. Founder & President
The Bamboo Voice Organization (2023–Present)** Tookie founded Bamboo Voice with a mission to amplify the voices of the voiceless. The nonprofit focuses on critical social issues including:
● Domestic violence
● Human trafficking
● LGBTQIA+ challenges
● Single parents
● Immigrant injustice and inequality The organization produces impactful social programming, such as:
● Three documentary films per year
● Cultural festivals and community events (Songkran, SEA Fest, etc.)
● Survivor support programs and educational outreach
● Storytelling campaigns to raise public awareness
**5. Admin
Thai Community in America – Thai Census in America (2017–Present)**
● Manages one of the largest online Thai community hubs in the U.S.
● Provides news, resources, and essential information to Thais nationwide
● Facilitates community networking and connects members across multiple states
● Strengthens unity and communication among Thai immigrants
● Acts as a bridge between community members, organizations, and support networks
Skills & Strengths
● Exceptional Relationship-Building: Strong connections with business leaders, tech industry professionals, nonprofit partners, and public officials
● Cross-Cultural Communication: Able to engage effectively with diverse communities
● Media Production: Skilled in photography, videography, and documentary storytelling
● Leadership & Coordination: Experienced in organizing large events, managing teams, and developing partnerships
● Survivor-Centered Advocacy: Deep understanding of trauma, vulnerability, and grassroots needs