King and Queen Attend Khon Premiere Sida in Bangkok

Their Majesties the King and Queen presided over the premiere of the Khon performance by the SUPPORT Foundation, the "Ramakien" episode "Sida," at 7:34 p.m. on November 1, 2026, at the Main Auditorium of the Thailand Cultural Center in Huai Khwang, Bangkok. Attending were Air Chief Marshal Satitpong Sukvimol, Vice President and Secretary-General of the SUPPORT Foundation under the patronage of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit the Queen Mother, who chaired the organizing committee, along with Minister of Culture Sabida Thaiseth, Director-General of the Department of Cultural Promotion Chotika Akkarakitsopon, and members of the SUPPORT Foundation committee.

On this occasion, Their Majesties granted a royal audience to Master Phuris Tantrakul (who portrayed Phra Mongkut) to present a commemorative booklet and gifts to His Majesty the King, and Master Phirawat Sukot (who portrayed Phra Lob) to present a commemorative booklet and gifts to Her Majesty the Queen. Their Majesties also viewed a tribute dance performance and a behind-the-scenes video of the Khon production "Ramakien: Sida," which was staged to commemorate the royal grace and continue the royal initiative of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit the Queen Mother, and in the auspicious year marking her fourth cycle birthday anniversary. Her Majesty has placed great importance on the royal initiative "Preserve, Conserve, Develop" to safeguard the nation's high arts so they remain splendid from generation to generation. It is a great fortune for the Thai people and Thailand that Their Majesties promote and support Khon performances with royal attention to every dimension, preserving the nation's valuable performing arts for the long future.

Their Majesties then watched the Khon performance "Ramakien: Sida," which follows the royal composition of King Rama I. The story depicts the birth of Lady Sida, her coronation with Phra Ram, her following Phra Ram into the forest, her abduction by Thotsakan to Longka, and her trial by fire to prove her purity and steadfast devotion. The production featured elaborate stage designs and elements, including the "Royal Coronation Ceremony of Phra Ram and Lady Sida" inspired by the murals inside the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, conveying the splendor of Thai art through intricate and grand design details; the "Sida Walks Through Fire" scene reflecting Lady Sida's purity and devotion; the "Heavenly Garden and Mount Meru" scene; the "Hanuman Presents the Heart Box" scene; and the "Thotsakan Abducts Lady Sida" scene — all created to fully and beautifully convey the story of the Ramakien on stage.

After the performance concluded, Their Majesties graciously commanded Flight Lieutenant Phakdi Saeng-Chuto, Assistant Royal Secretary, to present royal flower garlands to the National Artist, representatives of the production team, and representatives of the performers, respectively. The Khon performance "Sida" by the SUPPORT Foundation runs from November 5 to December 10, 2026, at the Main Auditorium, Thailand Cultural Center. Tickets are now on sale at Thai Ticket Major (www.thaiticketmajor.com, tel. 0-2262-3456) priced at 2,000, 1,800, 1,000, and 800 baht.