Thai Foundation Announces Khon Performance of the Year
The SUPPORT Foundation's 18th annual production of the Khon dance will honour the royal family and feature a new episode of the ancient Ramakien epic
A Thai foundation has announced a highly anticipated Khon performance of the Ramakien, celebrating its annual production and honouring the royal family's patronage of the traditional dance.
At a press conference held recently at the Bureau of the Royal Household in Bangkok, the SUPPORT Foundation under Her Majesty Queen Sirikit The Queen Mother officially launched this year's performance.
The show, titled "Sathyapalee", is a new episode of the ancient epic Ramakien, focusing on the betrayal of the monkey king, Vali.
Naruemon Lormthong, a committee member of the foundation, highlighted the royal family's crucial role in preserving Khon.
She noted that Her Majesty Queen Sirikit The Queen Mother has been a major patron, which led to Khon being recognised by UNESCO as an "Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity" in 2018.
"This is the 18th year we've held the Khon performance, and it is a tribute to Her Majesty Queen Sirikit The Queen Mother and His Majesty the King," Naruemon said.
She added that 80% of the production is now complete, and the team has worked to adapt the performance for modern audiences while maintaining its original beauty and traditional elegance.
The director of the show, National Artist Dr Supachai Jansuwan, explained that the performance blends high art with a focus on themes of loyalty, honesty, and gratitude.
This year's audience will see notable differences in the battle formations and costume designs, which are meticulously developed each year to be more exquisite than the last.
Prasop Riangngern, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Culture, noted the growing popularity of Khon.
"Each year, more young people are interested in auditioning for roles, and more families are attending the shows," he said.
The ministry supports the foundation's efforts to promote Khon as a national treasure.
The Khon performance, "Sathyapalee", will run from 6 November to 8 December 2025 at the Thailand Cultural Centre. Tickets are available now from Thai Ticket Major.
