Consul General of Lesotho makes history by bringing Thai youth Khon to Africa for the first time
Consul General of Lesotho makes history by bringing Thai youth Khon to Africa for the first time
Dr. Awasda Pokamontri, Honorary Deputy Consul of the Kingdom of Lesotho in Thailand and Chairman of the Thai Youth Khon Project to Africa, revealed at the press conference of “Thai Youth Khon to Africa” that the Consulate of the Kingdom of Lesotho in Thailand, together with the Thai Children Love Khon group, with support from the Department of South Asia, Middle East and Africa, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand, is ready to bring 11 Thai children, aged between 10 and 16 years, to fly across the continent to perform the Khon Ramakien in the episode “Phra Ram Raising His Army, Fighting against Thotsakan” to celebrate the 200th anniversary of the Kingdom of Lesotho in Africa.
Which has a very good relationship with Thailand, under the leadership of Honorary Consul General of the Kingdom of Lesotho in Thailand, Dr. Apichat Sudsaeng, by 2 Khon masters, Ajarn Somchai Kulkerd and Ajarn Sahasporn Plengpanich, held a grand audition for young performers, selecting talented young performers from 6 famous schools: Chitralada School, Suankularb Wittayalai School, Rung Arun School, Anglo Singapore International School, Bangkok Christian College, and Darunsikkhalai School, preparing to travel to perform a Khon performance to strengthen the relationship between Thailand and Lesotho for His Majesty King Letsie III and the Royal Family of Lesotho to watch, along with the kings and supreme leaders of other countries in Africa who are invited guests to join the event from 27 September – 4 October 2024.
For the Khon Ramakien episode “Phra Ram Racha Thap Saprayut Thotsakan”, the story is about the war between Phra Ram, Phra Lakshmana and their army of monkeys against Thotsakan, the giant lord of Lanka. The battle of both sides is full of unique and exquisite dance moves and fighting movements. The reason for choosing to present this episode is to honor the history of the king, which can be compared to the Chakri dynasty. It is a performance of the signature Ramakien costume, with a royal army and a great army, with beautiful and dazzling colors befitting the king, symbolizing the auspiciousness of the kingdom and its people. There are giants and monkeys all over the place. Thotsakan is played by Marco Sila Wattanakul, and Hanuman is played by Miss Praepim Piphatsawat. The U14 Women’s Wakeboard World Champion, Lucky Yosapat Sutsaewang, a former children’s presenter, plays the role of Chaiyampawan Khanthongling, who, whenever he holds the flag and leads the army, Phra Ram’s group will always be victorious.
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