Place the first 8 ingredients in a pot and bring to a simmer over medium heat. Gently simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add the prawns and cilantro and cook 4 to 5 minutes more, or until the prawns are cooked through.
Use 32 medium sized prawns instead of the 24 large ones called for in the recipe. Make green Thai curry prawns by simply replacing the red Thai curry paste with green Thai curry paste. If you don't care for cilantro, mix an equally of amount of chopped green onions or fresh basil into the curry instead.