Bangkok: The King and Queen attended the premiere of the Khon performance of the Ramakien, titled ‘Phra Chakrawatarn’, held at the Main Auditorium of the Thailand Cultural Center in the Huai Khwang District. The royal couple was welcomed by Air Chief Marshal Satitpong Sukwimol, Vice Chairman and Secretary-General of the Support Foundation for the Promotion of Supplementary Occupations and Related Techniques of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit the Queen Mother, along with Prime Minister Ms. Paethongtarn Shinawatra, ministers, senior civil servants, and other officials. Upon arrival, His Majesty the King proceeded to the Main Auditorium to receive a report on the objectives of the Khon performance from Air Chief Marshal Satitpong Sukwimol.

According to Thai News Agency, the performance was organized to commemorate two significant occasions in 2024: His Majesty the King’s 6th Cycle Birthday Anniversary on July 28, and Her Majesty Queen Sirikit the Queen Mother’s 92nd birthday anniversary on August 12. The Khon perfor
mance of the Ramakien, Episode ‘Phra Chakrawatarn,’ illustrates the miracles of Phra Chakra or Phra Narai, who incarnated as Phra Ram, the son of King Dasharatha of Ayutthaya, to combat evil. This narrative is likened to the Chakri dynasty’s role in maintaining peace and happiness for the Thai people. The episode begins with Indra and the gods inviting Narayana, along with his wife Lakshmi, to descend from the throne of Ananta Naga to suppress evil. Narayana reincarnates as Phra Ram, and Lakshmi as Nang Sita. The plot unfolds with Thotsakan’s family beginning a conflict by tricking Phra Ram and kidnapping Nang Sita, leading to a war.

Throughout the event, His Majesty the King granted an audience to the director, scriptwriter, experts, rehearsal teachers, art directors, stage and props representatives, and actors, presenting them with a bouquet of flowers. Additionally, a statue of Indra on Erawan Elephant was presented to His Majesty by the Khon Foundation Committee. The King and Queen concluded their visit
by returning in the royal vehicle.