King and Queen Attend Khon 'Sida' Honoring Queen Sirikit

His Majesty the King and Her Majesty the Queen presided over the premiere of the Khon performance "Ramakien: Sida" by the Support Foundation for Arts and Crafts under Queen Sirikit's patronage on November 1, 2026. The event took place at the Main Auditorium of the Thailand Cultural Centre in Bangkok's Huai Khwang district. Attending dignitaries included Air Chief Marshal Satitpong Sukvimol, Royal Secretary to His Majesty the King and Vice Chairman and Secretary-General of the Foundation; Khunying Norramol Lomthong, Foundation Committee Member; Khunying Sabida Thaiset, Minister of Culture; Mrs. Chotika Akkarakitsopon, Director-General of the Department of Cultural Promotion; along with ministry and department executives and Foundation committee members.

Upon arrival, Their Majesties entered the Main Auditorium and took their seats. His Majesty graciously bestowed a royal decoration upon Master Phurit Tantrakul, who portrayed Phra Mongkut (the Crown), as he presented a commemorative book and souvenir to the King. Master Phirawat Sukhot, who portrayed Phra Lob, presented a commemorative book and souvenir to Her Majesty the Queen.

Their Majesties then viewed a documentary on the behind-the-scenes preparation of the Khon "Ramakien: Sida," staged to commemorate the boundless royal benevolence and perpetuate the royal initiative of Queen Sirikit the Queen Mother. In this auspicious fourth cycle of Her Majesty the Queen's birth year, she has emphasized the "Preserve, Protect, Perpetuate" philosophy to safeguard the nation's high arts for future generations.

Following this, Their Majesties watched the Khon performance "Ramakien: Sida," which follows the royal composition of King Rama II. The story covers Lady Sida's birth, her coronation and marriage to Phra Ram, her accompaniment of Phra Ram into exile, her abduction by Thotsakan to Lanka, and her trial by fire to prove her purity and unwavering devotion.

The 2026 Khon production by the Support Foundation features spectacular stage designs: the "Phra Ram-Sida Coronation Ceremony" scene inspired by Wat Phra Kaew murals, conveying Thai artistic grandeur through intricate details; the "Sida's Fire Trial" scene reflecting her purity and devotion; the "Celestial Palace and Mount Meru" scene; the "Hanuman Presenting the Heart Box" scene; and the "Thotsakan Abducts Sida" scene — all created to faithfully and beautifully convey the royal narrative on stage.

The performance comprises two acts and eight scenes: Scene 1 - Sida's Birth; Scene 2 - Royal Wedding Coronation; Scene 3 - Ramesuan and Thotsakan's Meeting; Scene 4 - Monthon's Fire Trial; Scene 5 - Great Hermitage; Scene 6 - Gratitude to Teachers; Scene 7 - Hanuman's Failed Trick; Scene 8 - Phra Chakri Meets His Son.

After the performance, His Majesty graciously commanded Air Vice Marshal Phakdi Saeng-Chuto, Assistant Royal Secretary, to present a royal floral garland to the National Artists and performers.