Thai khon production based on the Ramayana story of Sita returns in 2026

The SUPPORT Foundation’s khon production “Ramakien: The Sida Episode” (Sita in the Ramayana) 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, featuring Sita alongside her two sons, Kusha and Lava, 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 Rama, Lakshmana, Bharata and Shatrughna, prompting them to march out with their armies.

When Rama enters battle against Kusha and Lava, an unexpected miracle occurs.

Kusha fires an arrow at Rama, but it turns into a garland.

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

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

One of the most closely watched highlights of the 2026 Sita khon production is its set design and production elements, which are more elaborate than ever.

The scene depicting the royal wedding of Rama and Sita 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:

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

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

The production tells the Ramakien story from Sita’s origins.

It recounts how Lakshmi is born as Sita, the daughter of Ravana 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.

The hermit Janaka later rescues and raises Sita as his daughter.

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

The couple’s path is not smooth.

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

Sita loyally decides to accompany him, with Lakshmana also joining them.

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

Rama sets out in pursuit and fights until he defeats Ravana.

Sita’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, the Sita khon production 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 production 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 Sita’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 the 2026 Sita khon production should not miss it.

Even the brief excerpts presented 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 Sita and her two sons will be.