Catch a free khon show at Lumphini Hall this October 18

Lumphini Hall is having a busy year. After years of sitting quiet, the old hall in the middle of Lumphini Park now runs a regular line-up of Thai arts, including a free evening of khon and classical dance back in July. The next date for your diary is October 18.

More than 80 young volunteers from the Mathurasin and Siam Rak Silp troupes perform Youth Khon 2026 at Lumphini Hall, the old hall in the middle of the grounds. Ballroom dancers packed its floor in the 1950s and ’60s, and after years of sitting quiet, it now hosts Thai music and dance again.

The chosen episode, Akhra Nari Sida, translates roughly as ‘Sida, the Supreme Lady’. Most Ramakien retellings follow Hanuman’s mischief or Phra Ram’s battles, but this one stays with Sida after the war in Lanka, when accusations about her faithfulness force her to prove her dignity and honesty. In the classic version of the epic, that test sends her walking through fire. The heroine also takes centre stage in this year’s royal khon production from the SUPPORT Foundation, so consider this a handy primer.

Never seen khon live? The staging does most of the explaining. Expect gold-threaded costumes, hand-carved masks, slow and precise hand movements and a steady clang of gongs and drums.

Doors open at 4.30pm and it’s free. MRT Silom Exit 1 puts you at the southwest corner, a short stroll away.

Youth Khon 2569 is at Lumphini Sathan, Lumphini Park, on Sun Oct 18, 4.30pm-7pm. Entry is free. The nearest station is MRT Silom (Exit 1).