The SUPPORT Khon performance episode of ‘Kumbhakarna’ to be staged from 5 November to 5 December 2023 at Thailand Cultural Centre

In celebration of the 71 ^st birthday of HM the King and 91 ^st birthday of HM Queen Sirikit the Queen Mother, the SUPPORT Foundation under the Royal Patronage of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit the Queen Mother presents the Khon performance episode of ‘Kumbhakarna’ at Thailand Cultural Centre in Bangkok, from 5 November to 5 December 2023.

The show has been presented annually for nearly two decades by the SUPPORT Foundation under the royal patronage of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit the Queen Mother to promote and continue the Thai art form and traditional craftsmanship involved in the Khon performance. One of HM the Queen Mother’s quotes regarding the Khon performance conservation goes, “My loss is the kingdom’s profits.” Thailand is grateful for Their Majesties’ patronage and support for the valuable Khon performance conservation as national heritage.

Siam Commercial Bank (SCB) is proud of its continuous sponsorship and participation in the Khon performance conservation and promotion. At the recent press conference of the show this year, SCB First Executive Vice President and Head of CSR Function Araya Phupanich presented a sum of 2 million baht to Thanpuying Charungjit Teekara , director of The SUPPORT Foundation and the vice chairperson of the SUPPORT Foundation Khon Performance Committee to support the show.

The SUPPORT Khon performance is based the theatrical scripts for the Ramakien – the Thai version of the Indian Ramayana epic – that were compiled by King Rama I. This year, the show features the ‘Kumbhakarna’ episode where Kumbhakarna, the younger brother of demon king Thotsakan, performs a magic ritual to stop Phra Ram’s army. After Kumbhakarna unsuccessfully fought the Mokkhasak battle with Lakshmana, failing to kill Lakshmana, he came up with a war strategy. Kumbhakarna went underwater to perform a magic ritual, lying across the river to hinder Phra Ram’s army. The audience can find out at the show how the story unfolds.

Regarded as the most prestigious Khon production in Thailand, the SUPPORT Khon Performance integrates the nation’s heritage performing arts with elaborate Thai classical music and costumes, modern stage techniques and special effects. Spectacular scenes in the episode of Kumbhakarna include Hanuman transforming into an enormous hawk, Hanuman diving, and more.

Tickets for this year’s SUPPORT Khon Performance are priced at priced 2,000 baht, 1,800 baht, 1,000 baht, 800 baht and 600 baht (180 baht for students) and now available at Thaiticketmajor. For ticket information, call 02-262-3456.