Thailand’s traditional Khon dance took centre stage in Lesotho for the firs time. This special performance, held at Setsoto Stadium and Machabeng College, was part of the 200th anniversary celebration of the Basotho nation. The event did not only celebrate Lesotho’s rich historical moment but also highlighted the growing diplomatic and cultural ties between Thailand and Lesotho, nurtured over the years.
Apichart Sudswang, the Honorary Consul General of Lesotho to Thailand, has represented Basotho interests in Thailand for the past 11 years. His consistent efforts have fostered a strong connection between the two countries.
“I have so far enjoyed my stay in Lesotho. It feels like home to me because I have many friends here. The people are friendly, kind, and easy to talk to,” Sudswangsaid.
His frequent visits to Lesotho have strengthened his bond with the country, reflecting a deep sense of belonging.
The Khon dance is one of Thailand’s most revered classical performances, traditionally passed down through royal courts and noble households. It is more than just an art form, it symbolizes respect for authority, the mutual dependence between leaders and followers, and the triumph of good over evil. The dance is marked by elaborate costumes, intricate choreography, and masked performers enacting stories of ancient Thai folklore.
Avasada Pocmontri, Chairman of the Thai Youth KhonProject to Africa, played a crucial role in organizing the performance.
“I was appointed to organize the Khon dance for this historic celebration through the guidance of our dance master, who chose his best performers. We would also like to express our gratitude to Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) and all our sponsors who made this journey a success,” Pocmontri explained.
The performance was not only a historic moment for Lesotho but also for Thailand, as it was the first time the Khon dance was performed on African soil. The dance held particular significance, as it was performed in honourof King Moshoeshoe I, the founding father of the Basotho nation, known for his strength as a warrior and unifier.
The cultural exchange between the two nations was a two-way street. The Basotho audience embraced the Khonperformance, not just as an exotic spectacle but as an opportunity to connect with Thailand’s rich cultural heritage.
“The Basotho people enjoyed the dance. They were curious about its origins and wanted to learn the moves. It was a great exchange, while we taught them about Khon, we also learned about their traditional dances,” Pocmontrinoted.
Traditionally, Khon was performed only by men, but modern Thai society has opened up the dance to women, allowing a more inclusive approach to the art form.
Lucky, one of the young performers and the son of Apichart Sudswang, shared his experience: “I have been practicing Khon since I was seven years old. It takes about three months to prepare for a performance, but learning the basics can take up to ten years. My role in the Lesotho performance was the Monkey Flagger,” he explained.
Lucky, currently attending the American International School of Lesotho, expressed his admiration for his new school and the friendly atmosphere in Lesotho.
“The people here are very kind compared to other schools I have attended. There are only a few nationalities at the school being Kenyans, Basotho, Chinese, and Dutch but I feel very welcome here,” he said.
Lucky’s enthusiasm for the Khon performance was evident. He portrayed that the crowd loved it. They cheered for them and even wanted to try the dance themselves.They let them join in, and they enjoyed it.
Beyond the cultural exchange, the visit by the Thai delegation also underscored the growing diplomatic and economic cooperation between Thailand and Lesotho. With Thailand investment in Lesotho particularly in business sectors such as gemstone mining (including diamonds), clean energy (solar, wind, and hydropower), and agriculture, especially in pig and poultry farming.
“I feel like part of me is Mosotho. We have visited Lesotho often, and every time, we feel more connected to its people and its culture. This event was not just about celebrating 200 years of Basotho history, but about building a bridge between our two countries,” Pocmontrireflected, speaking for many in the Thai delegation.
The Thai delegation expressed deep appreciation for the hospitality extended by Lesotho’s leadership. “We are grateful to the King of Lesotho and the Prime Minister for their warm welcome. I would also like to thank the chairperson and all those who contributed to making this project a success, including our performers who poured their hearts into the performance,” said Sudswang.
