Bangkok: The Ministry of Culture is staging a Khon performance of "Ramayana" by Songkhla University in honor of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit, the Queen Mother. The Minister of Culture inaugurated the Khon performance of the Ramakien epic, specifically the "Battle of Kumbhakarna" episode titled "Sugriva Uproots the Banyan Tree," in remembrance of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit, the Queen Mother, who has dedicated herself to preserving, reviving, and continuing the art of Thai Khon performance.According to Thai News Agency, Ms. Sabida Thaiseth, Minister of Culture, presided over the opening ceremony of the Khon performance of "Ramayana: The Battle of Kumbhakarna, Episode: Sugriva Uproots the Banyan Tree," organized by Prince of Songkla University, Surat Thani Campus. The performance was held to express gratitude for the royal patronage of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit, the Queen Mother, and to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the establishment of Prince of Songkla University, Surat Thani Campus. Ms. Sabida stated that t he Ministry of Culture commends Prince of Songkla University for initiating and continuously staging Khon performances, which have become an important platform for disseminating Thai arts and culture. It also serves as a learning space that provides youth and the public with access to the value of the nation's intellectual heritage. This reflects the crucial role of higher education institutions, which are not merely responsible for producing graduates or creating knowledge, but also for instilling cultural values, fostering pride in Thai identity, and passing on this invaluable heritage to future generations.The Minister of Culture further stated that Khon is a high art form that comprehensively integrates various disciplines, including literature, dance, music, craftsmanship, and handicrafts. It reflects the wisdom of Thai ancestors and is a cultural treasure that has received international recognition. It was registered as a national intangible cultural heritage in 2009 and was inscribed by UNESCO as a r epresentative item of the Intangible Heritage of Humanity on November 29, 2018, under the name "Khon, masked dance drama in Thailand." This marks the first time Thailand's intangible cultural heritage has been registered internationally, reflecting the value and pride in Thailand's national cultural heritage being recognized by the global community.This Khon performance is a significant opportunity for all sectors to come together in commemorating the royal grace of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit, the Queen Mother, who has had the royal aspirations and efforts to preserve, revive, and perpetuate the art of Thai Khon. This includes aspects of performance, music, costumes, craftsmanship, and the transmission of knowledge, resulting in the flourishing, beauty, and completeness of Thai Khon, which has gained recognition both domestically and internationally. This is a crucial foundation that ensures Khon remains a valuable heritage that all Thais are proud of.
