SUPPORT Foundation previews major khon production on Sida’s story

The SUPPORT Foundation’s khon production “Ramakien: The Sida Episode” is set to return in 2026 as a major spectacle that lovers of Thai arts and culture should not miss.

An official press conference was recently held at the Royal Household Bureau Theatre, Sanam Suea Pa, where excerpts from the production were presented for an up-close preview.

Those attending included:

• Narumol Lomthong, a SUPPORT Foundation board member.
• Yuthika Isarangkura na Ayutthaya, permanent secretary for culture.
• Prameth Boonyachai, a National Artist and senior adviser.
• Associate Professor Dr Supachai Chansuwan, a National Artist and the production’s director.
• Wichai Rakchat, the art director responsible for painting.
• Members of the Foundation’s board, its various subcommittees and event supporters.

One of the story’s key scenes was presented at the press conference, unveiling Sida alongside her two sons, Phra Mongkut and Phra Lop, in a sequence that captivated the audience from its opening moments.

The story begins when the two boys capture and mount the Uppakarn horse.

Hanuman, who has followed behind, sees them and tries to seize them, but they capture him instead, tie him up and tattoo his face in defiance.

The incident escalates to involve Phra Ram, Phra Lak, Phra Phrot and Phra Satrut, prompting them to march out with their armies.

When Phra Ram enters battle against Phra Mongkut and Phra Lop, an unexpected miracle occurs.

Phra Mongkut fires an arrow at Phra Ram, but it turns into a garland.

When Phra Ram shoots an arrow back at the two boys, it becomes milk-and-butter sweets, astonishing the audience.

Sida then appears before her two sons, revealing the truth of their shared bloodline.

One of the most closely watched highlights of “Khon Sida 2026” is its set design and production elements, which are more elaborate than ever.

The scene depicting the royal wedding of Phra Ram and Sida is particularly notable.

Inspired by murals inside Wat Phra Kaew, it conveys the beauty of Thai art with meticulous detail and grandeur.

Other major scenes to watch include:

• “Sida’s fire ordeal”, reflecting her loyalty and purity.
• The celestial realm and Mount Sumeru.
• Hanuman holding the heart box aloft.
• Thotsakan abducting Sida.

All were created to make the production one of the year’s highlights in Thai arts and culture.

The SUPPORT Foundation’s khon production “Ramakien: The Sida Episode” tells the Ramakien story from Sida’s origins.

It recounts how Lakshmi is born as Sida, the daughter of Thotsakan of Lanka.

At birth, however, she cries “Phlan Rap” three times and is regarded as an ill omen.

She is placed in a casket, which is then cast into the water.

Hermit Chonok later rescues and raises Sida as his daughter.

The story then leads to her marriage to Phra Ram, a son of King Thotsarot of Ayodhya, after Phra Ram succeeds in lifting the great Moli bow.

The couple’s path is not smooth.

Phra Ram must honour a vow by going into the forest for 14 years.

Sida loyally decides to accompany him, with Phra Lak also joining them.

A major turning point comes when Thotsakan abducts Sida and takes her to Lanka, leading to a great war.

Phra Ram sets out in pursuit and fights until he defeats Thotsakan. Sida’s story, however, does not end there.

After spending several years in Lanka, she must prove her purity and loyalty by walking through fire, another key scene audiences will experience on stage.

Beyond its intense storyline, “Khon Sida” is also attracting attention for the splendour of its production, from intricate costumes, set design, lighting, colour and sound to musical accompaniment and the singing of Thai songs, all seamlessly integrated with the performance.

Importantly, the production also gives a new generation of young performers the opportunity to help carry forward and pass on the art of khon, a valuable part of Thailand’s cultural heritage.

It reflects the transfer of knowledge from one generation to the next and helps keep khon alive in modern society.

The SUPPORT Foundation’s khon production “Ramakien: The Sida Episode” is scheduled to be staged from Thursday (November 5, 2026) to Thursday (December 10, 2026) at the Main Hall, Thailand Cultural Centre.

It will honour Her Majesty the Queen on the auspicious occasion of her fourth-cycle birthday celebrations on Wednesday (June 3, 2026).

The production therefore marks another significant event for Thai arts and culture in 2026.

In addition to presenting Sida’s story on a grand scale through the disciplines and artistry of khon, it reflects the value of Thai performing arts, which continue to be preserved, passed on and developed.

Anyone waiting to see “Khon Sida 2026” should not miss the production.

Even the brief excerpts unveiled at the press conference conveyed the grandeur of the sets, costumes and performance prepared for the full production.

Audiences will have to wait for the full staging to see just how intense and grand the story of Sida and her two sons will be.