The King and Queen attended the premiere of the Khon performance by the Foundation for the Promotion of Supplementary Occupations titled "Sida" at the Main Auditorium of the Thailand Cultural Centre.
At 19:34 on 1 Nov 2026, His Majesty the King and Her Majesty the Queen attended the premiere of the Foundation for the Promotion of Supplementary Occupations' Khon performance "Ramakien: Sida" at the Main Auditorium of the Thailand Cultural Centre in Huai Khwang district, Bangkok. They were welcomed by Air Chief Marshal Sathitphong Sukwimol, Vice Chairman and Secretary-General of the Foundation for the Promotion of Supplementary Occupations under Her Majesty Queen Sirikit, the Queen Mother, and Chair of the Khon Foundation's Executive Committee; Ms. Sabida Thaiset, Minister of Culture; Ms. Chotika Akkarajisophakul, Director-General of the Department of Cultural Promotion; along with the foundation's board members.
His Majesty granted the honor for Master Phurisit Tantrakul (playing the Crown Prince) to present a souvenir booklet and gift to the King, and Master Peerawat Sukhot (playing Lop) to present a souvenir booklet and gift to the Queen. They also watched a traditional dance paying homage and a behind-the-scenes video of the Khon production "Ramakien: Sida." This performance honors and continues the royal intentions of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit, the Queen Mother, on the occasion of her 4th cycle birthday anniversary, emphasizing the importance of "continuing, preserving, and enhancing" to maintain this high art of the nation beautifully from generation to generation. It is a great blessing for Thailand that the King and Queen have devoted sincere support to Khon, preserving this valuable national performing art for posterity.
They then watched the Khon performance "Ramakien: Sida," based on the royal composition by King Rama I. The story depicts Sida's birth, her marriage to Rama, following him into the forest, her abduction by Tosakanth to Lanka, and her trial by fire to prove her purity and loyalty. The performance featured stunning set designs, including the "Royal Wedding Ceremony of Rama and Sida" inspired by the murals inside Wat Phra Si Rattana Satsadaram, showcasing the beauty of Thai art through intricate and grand design details; the "Sida's Trial by Fire" scene symbolizing her purity and loyalty; the heavenly realm and Mount Meru scenes; Hanuman holding the heart box; and Tosakanth's abduction of Sida. All were created to faithfully and beautifully convey the story on stage.
After the performance, His Majesty graciously commanded Air Vice Marshal Phakdi Saeng-Chuto, Assistant Royal Secretary, to present the royal bouquet to the National Artist, representatives of the production team, and representatives of the performers in order.
The Foundation for the Promotion of Supplementary Occupations' Khon performance "Sida" will be shown from 5 November to 10 December 2026 at the Main Auditorium, Thailand Cultural Centre. Tickets are now available at Thai Ticket Major.www.thaiticketmajor.comPhone: 0-2262-3456. Ticket prices are 2,000, 1,800, 1,000, 800, and 600 baht (student show tickets priced at 200 baht).
