“Nong Aom,” a 15-year-old boy, passionately live-streams likay singing, earning garlands to support his family. He fulfills his dream by performing likay on stage for the first time after a famous likay teacher accepts him as a disciple and recognizes his talent.
On 22 Feb 2026 GMT+7, the case of Noppanath Chathiyo, known as “Nong Aom,” a 15-year-old boy who struggles through life washing dishes alongside his mother at various events to help support his family, attracted attention. He has loved likay performance since childhood. After finishing grade 6, he focused on earning money to support his family, partly by buying likay costumes and live-streaming likay recitals and songs on Facebook under his mother's account, “Suree Chathiyo.” He sought online goodwill garlands from viewers to help his financially struggling family, earning about 200–300 baht per live stream, as previously reported.
On 21 Feb 2026 GMT+7, Mr. Satuean Nakmuang, known as “Master Phae,” a famous likay teacher from Kamphaeng Phet and owner of the "Khlong Khlung Bamrungsilp" likay troupe, who has trained many renowned likay artists, heard about Nong Aom. He contacted Noppanath, offering to take him as a disciple to train him in likay, with the condition that Nong Aom undergo a "hand-grasping" ceremony (a teacher-worship ritual to ward off negative influences). Nong Aom was very happy upon hearing this and went to Master Phae’s home to perform the ceremony. The teacher instructed him in various likay techniques and dance movements, which Nong Aom understood well and agreed to train in every Saturday and Sunday.
Ms. Amnuayporn Soison, owner of the “Peerapat Chatkhai” likay troupe, a well-known group in Kamphaeng Phet, wanted Nong Aom to perform on stage with them. The scheduled performance was at the Kamphaeng Phet City Pillar Shrine. Nong Aom agreed, and Master Phae also expressed his support, saying it was a good opportunity for Nong Aom to perform likay for the first time as he dreamed and to gain experience.
Upon arriving at the likay venue beside the Kamphaeng Phet City Pillar Shrine, Nong Aom, his mother Suree, and relatives who came to support him met with Ms. Amnuayporn, the troupe leader. After discussions, Nong Aom was asked to test his singing and likay recitation skills that he had previously live-streamed, accompanied by the troupe’s ranad (xylophone). He performed very well.
When it was time for the actual stage performance, Nong Aom blended in seamlessly as if he had rehearsed with the likay troupe before, although this was his first time performing on such a stage. The troupe paired him with the lead actor of the story. His gestures and likay dance movements showed a foundation gained through "learning by observation."
Mr. Satuean Nakmuang, “Master Phae,” owner of the Khlong Khlung Bamrungsilp likay troupe, said, “I am very pleased that young people nowadays take an interest in likay. I am delighted to see his dedication. I first met him when I performed near his home, and he watched with interest. I think it was at Ban Wang Bua. I invited him to join likay then, but as a child, he was shy. I never imagined we would meet again like this. Now, Nong Aom has become my disciple, which brings me joy. It’s a small world.”
Ms. Amnuayporn Soison, owner of the Peerapat Chatkhai likay troupe, said, “Nong Aom’s performance today was very good. He has strong skills and talent. This was his first stage appearance, and I didn’t expect him to perform so well. His hand-waving dance was smooth. I believe that because some senior likay figures had joined his live streams, he must have had some practice. Overall, he is very talented, and I plan to have him perform at future events.”
Noppanath Chathiyo, known as “Nong Aom,” said, “Today I feel very happy, especially because the likay performers in the troupe were kind and gave me guidance on all aspects of acting. The reason I was able to perform the hand-waving dance with the team is that some senior likay figures had trained me before, so I had some foundation. I admit I was nervous performing on stage because it was my first time performing likay live on a real stage.”