Mr. Apichart Sudswang, Honorary Consul General of Lesotho to Thailand, and Dr. Avasada Pocmontri, Chairman of the Thai Youth Khon Project to Africa, have announced an exciting cultural collaboration. The Consulate of the Kingdom of Lesotho in Thailand, along with the Thai Children Love Khon group, will join in the celebration of the Kingdom of Lesotho’s 200th anniversary in Maseru next month.
In honor of this milestone and to strengthen cultural ties between the two nations, the Consulate is proud to present a special Thai Youth Khon cultural performance. Khon, considered the crown jewel of Thai performing arts, is a prestigious masked dance and Thailand’s highest form of theatrical expression.
Renowned Khon masters Ajarn Somchai Kulkerd and Ajarn Sahasporn Plengpanich will travel to Maseru with 11 talented Thai children, aged between 11 and 16, to perform the “Royal Battle” episode from the Ramayana. Known in Thai as “Phra Ram Racha Thap Saprayut Thotsakan,” the story showcases the epic battle between Phra Ram, Phra Lakshmana, and their army of monkeys against Thotsakan, the giant lord of Lanka. The performance is celebrated for its intricate dance and combat movements, with vibrant costumes that symbolize the prosperity and unity of the kingdom.
Key roles include Marco Sila Wattanakul as Thotsakan and Miss Praepim Piphatsawat, the U14 Women’s Wakeboard World Champion, as Hanuman. Lucky Yosapatara Sudswang, a former children’s TV presenter, will portray Chaiyampawan Khanthongling, the flag bearer who leads Phra Ram’s army to victory.
This historic performance is made possible with the support of the Tourism Authority of Thailand, the Department of South Asia, Middle East and Africa, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Thailand, the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand, and Lesotho’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Relations.
The Khon performance will be held at the Setsoto Stadium in Maseru on the morning of October 4, 2024. All Basotho are warmly invited to witness and be part of this remarkable cultural exchange.
