Born in the French town of Saint-Mandé near Paris, Thura is French but is originally of Angkorian blood, with a touch of Portuguese. She is the great great grand daughter of King Norodom the First. Her youth was spent in Phnom Penh, Cambodia until the age of 7, when her family returned to Paris where she later graduated from the Legion of Honor, a Catholic military boarding school. Intent on experiencing more of the world, she moved to U.S., to Gainesville, Florida to attend the University of Florida, developing a love of painting.

Thura's sea-themed works are inspired by her frequent visits to the ocean. You can see her art by visiting : www.thuraart.com

 She spends her time training for marathons, playing tennis and recently took up golfing so that she can play with Chris at the wedding.

She  works for a non-profit organization, The Arc of SF,  support and advocate for individuals with developmental disabilities.