SUPPORT Foundation Launches Khon 'Sida' Rehearsals with Ceremony

The SUPPORT Foundation under Her Majesty Queen Sirikit held the opening ceremony for its annual Khon performance "Ramakien: Sida" at the Grand Hall of the Thailand Cultural Centre in Huai Khwang, Bangkok. Air Chief Marshal Satitpong Sukvimol, Royal Secretary to His Majesty the King and Vice President and Secretary-General of the Foundation, presided over the ceremony on October 27, 2026.

Court Brahmin Phra Maha Ratchakhru Phithi Siwisutthikhun conducted the rites at the auspicious time of 09:09, including sprinkling bael leaf water and blessing the ceremony president, executive committee, playwright, director, and designers. The ceremony then moved to the stage to bless the sets, Khon equipment, expert teachers, performers, and crew for auspiciousness. Afterwards, the rehearsal director and cast began their first full rehearsals at the Grand Hall to prepare for the actual performances.

National Artist Professor Dr. Supachai Chansuwan, the Khon production director, stated that this year marks the fourth cycle of Her Majesty the Queen's birthday anniversary, and the episode "Sida" was deemed most appropriate. Sida represents the ideal heroine — beautiful in both appearance and spirit, pure, faithful, and loyal. As this is the Year of the Horse, a scene releasing the horse Upakara is featured, alongside efforts to cultivate youth as inheritors of Khon through the characters Phra Mongkut and Phra Lop, the twin sons of Phra Ram and Nang Sida, showcasing the capabilities of Thai youth. Beyond absorbing the triumph of virtue over vice central to the Ramakien, audiences are expected to recognize how Sida's faithfulness carries her through adversity, with every scene designed to move viewers.

"This production incorporates spectacular elements such as the royal coronation ceremony of Phra Ram and Sida, inspired by murals inside the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, conveying the beauty of Thai art through intricate and grand design details. The scene of Sida walking through fire reflects her purity and devotion. The heavenly palace and Mount Sumeru scenes, Hanuman presenting the heart casket, and Thotsakan abducting Sida have all been created to faithfully and beautifully portray the Ramakien narrative on stage. Importantly, the Khon performance continues to promote youth participation in preserving and transmitting this art form, in accordance with Her Majesty's royal wishes."

Foundation committee member Narumol Lomthong explained that the "Sida" performance follows the royal composition of the Ramakien from the First Reign, depicting Sida's birth, her coronation with Phra Ram, her following Phra Ram into exile, her abduction by Thotsakan to Longka, and her trial by fire to prove purity and devotion. On this occasion, His Majesty the King and Her Majesty the Queen will graciously attend the premiere on November 1, an supreme act of royal benevolence to the Foundation's Khon troupe.

Her Majesty Queen Sirikit has established the foundation, revived, promoted, and preserved Khon performance alongside handicrafts — including the creation of costumes, crowns, masks, and jewelry — while also encouraging expert teachers to transmit knowledge and provide training.