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The History of Arun

Wat Arun is known as the of Dawn located on the west bank of the in . It is a very prominent landmark in . This temple is best seen from the opposite river bank. The complete name of this temple is Ratchawararam Ratchawaramahawihan.

Wat Arun

View on Wat Arun from Bitter Deck at Arun. photo: Amazing FB page

Wat Arun is a temple complex that consists of the towers, the so-called ‘Phra ’ (spires) which symbolize the Mount Meru of Hindu cosmology. There are also narrow lanes, old white buildings, shrines and two giants called ‘Yak Wat Jaeng’ who are the mortal enemies of the ‘Yak ’ located across the river. The Yaks are figures from the Thai , the white figure is called Sahassa Deja and the green one is Thotsakan, the Demon Rāvana.

‘Yak Wat Jaeng’, the temple guardians of Wat Arun (photo: Sirinya Pakditawan)

The temple has existed since the days when Ayutthaya was Thailand’s capital. It was then named Wat Makok in the place called Bangmakok meaning ‘Village of Olive’. Hence, Bangmakok was shortened to ‘Bangkok’. The Chao Phraya River as seen from the main spire of Wat Arun; photo by John Thomson in 1865, Wellcome Library London

After defeating the Burmese Army in Ayutthaya, King reached this place to establish the new capital Thonburi. He arrived at dawn and thus renamed the temple ‘Wat Jeang’. ‘Jeang’ means bright, dawn and clear. During his reign, no monks lived in this temple. However, it was used to house the which is located at Wat Phra Kaeow today. The precious Emerald Buddha, today located at Wat Phra Kaeow (photo credit: JPSwimmer, wikipedia.org)

King Taksin’s General had taken the Emerald Buddha from in to Wat Jeang. Later after King Taksin’s death, this General became King I (Buddha Yodfa Chulaoke). Eventually, King moved his capital from Thonburi to Bangkok taking the Emerals Buddha with him. There the Buddha was moved to his present site in the Emerald Buddha Temple. King Rama I, Buddha Yodfa Chulaloke; photo: wikimedia.org

King Rama II (1809-1824) started the construction of the tall spire and the four smaller ones. This was completed by King Rama III (1824-1851). The towers are supported by rows of demons and monkeys and very narrow steps lead to a balcony on the central tower. The towers of Wat Arun are supported by a row of demons, photo: Sirinya Pakditawan

The towers are built of brick covered with stucco and the decorations are also unique. There are numerous pieces of multi-coloured Chinese porcelain. Pieces of multi-coloured Chinese porcelain at the Temple of Dawn, Bangkok (photo: Sirinya Pakditawan)

The central tower also harbours the figure of the God seated on his vehicle Erawan which is the three-headed elephant. What is more, there are also figures of the Moon God on a white horse. In addition, the trident of Shiva extends from the top of each tower. Wat Arun stairway, I think in the centre there is Indra on his vehicle Erawan, photo: wikimedia.org

Thus, the central balcony offers an impressive view of Bangkok and the Chao Phraya River. From there you can also see the , the Temple of the Emerald Buddha and Wat Pho. Wat Arun seen from the Chao Phraya River, photo: wikimedia.org

Summing up, I find that Wat Arun is one of the most impressive monuments that I have ever seen. I really love to visit this place soon again

Yours, Sirinya

Fun Facts About The Thai Ramakien

If you are a Thailand lover, you certainly know the Thai Ramakien which is the National Epic of Thailand. In short, the Ramakien is about Rama who spends 14 years in exile after being banished by his stepmother. There he lives with his consort Sita and his brother Lakshman. When Sita is abducted by the Demon King (Tosakanth) to Lanka, Rama and his brother rescue her with the help of the monkey warriors. Well, there are also some entertaining facts about the ‘Story of Rama’ which I like to bring to you here

Thai Ramakien Trivia

Did you know that the was written by the Hindu sage Valmiki and that it implies that the epic possesses magic properties? Merely reading one verse of the Ramayana is supposed to guarantee a son to everyone previously lacking a male heir and it also implies that poor readers of the epic will become rich and that errant readers are purified.

Scene from the Thai Ramakien depicted on a mural at (Temple of the Emerald Buddha) (photo credit: Amporn Konglapumnuay)

In the Rama Jataka, the Buddha is quoted as claiming he had been Rama in a previous life. The Rama Jataka is popular in Laos and some northeastern parts of Thailand where it is recited during ceremonies for the dead and crematations.

Scene from the Ramakien depicted on a mural at Wat Phra Kaew (Temple of the Emerald Buddha) (photo credit: Jpatokal, wikimedia.org)

In the oldest version of Rama’s story which is probably the Dasaratha Jataka, Sita is featured as Rama’s sister. Sita in captivity in Lanka being tempted by Ravana. Chromoli Wellcome Library London, wikimedia.org

According to an ancient Thai belief, the Ramakien has magic properties. Thus, anyone who is able to read the Story of Rama over seven days and seven nights could command from the heavens three days and three nights of rainfall. A scene from the Ramakien, illustration at Wat Phra Kaew (photo: Sirinya Pakditawan)

The 16th century Chinese classic Hsi-yu-chi (Monkey) incorporated together with other material, ’s travels in pursuit of Sita. What is more, as early as 251 AD, a Jataka form of the Ramayana was rendered into Chinese. Rama, Sita, and Lakshmana at the Hermitage of Bharadvaja. Page from a dispersed Ramayana (Story of King Rama),ca. 1780, wikimedia.org

The Reamker which is the Cambodian version of the Ramayana takes about 50 hours to recite. An episode from the Cambodian Reamker, Phnom Phen, photo: Jean-Pierre Dalbéra, wikimedia.org

The Ramakien can be called an esoteric allegory of man’s spiritual quest (Rama) for Nirvana (Sita). In this way, it is also a purification of physical and intellectual faculties in which Tosakanth (Ravana) and his brothers are coarse passions and imperfections while the monkey warriors stand for virtues. Thai-French Singer Chin Chinawut as Khon (Ramayana) character Tosakanth (photo credit: pinterest.com)

Did you know about this trivia? I think the most entertaining fact is that the Thai Ramakien is supposed to possesss magic properties. Hence, maybe we should try to recite the Story of Rama and see what kind of magic we can work

Yours, Sirinya

(Reference: Ramakien, The Thai Ramayana. Naga Books Bangkok, 1993) & Illustrations by Yasaman Haghighat

The language of creativity has always been my strongest point and I want to be able to express my stories, my background, my fears and my happiness through the language of Art (Yasaman Haghighat)

Yasaman Haghighat is a 27 year-old Thai-Iranian artist born and raised in England. Since her childhood, she has been artistic and very much interested in mythical creatures and fantasy worlds. Hence, her art works are very much inspired by her interest in mythology.

Thai Art by Yasaman Haghighat

Ramakien character Hanuman by Yasaman Haghighat

Yas studied English and Theatre. Thus, she spent most of her time with theatrical societies sewing costumes, painting set and designing marketing and publicity. However, Yas is also an English teacher. Hence, after working in an international school, she went back to her roots and moved to Thailand for three years, where she was a primary school teacher in her home town of Chanthaburi.

Fan with peacock illustration by Yasaman Haghighat

With her younger students, she did a lot of arts and crafts. For instance, she taught them how to sew, how to create shadow puppets, making art from recycling, drawing still life, fashion shows and much more. While she was in Thailand, she spent a lot of time around with her family, who are very traditional Thai. Her grandparents told her many mythological stories from Thailand, which were very inspiring to her. Buddha illustration by Yasaman Haghighat

What is more, when her mother bought her a set ofRamayana books, Yas was captivated by all the amazing characters in it. In addition, she saw some Thai dance and the marvellous costumes stuck with her. Kinnari, the half-bird half-human divine musician by Yasaman Haghighat

Yas’ heritage is a Thai mother and an Iranian father – both cultures are full of rich history and mythology. Hence, Yas loves mythology because of all the beautiful morals and ethics they imply. She likes how you can learn the values of a society from reading their ancient stories. That is to say, you can learn about their traditions and honours from a simple nursery rhyme, or a story! Colourful elephant by Yasaman Haghighat

Naga, the mythical snake by Yasaman Haghighat

Thus, her main inspiration is story telling which is an important tradition in every culture; Yas has grown up with stories from England, Iran and Thailand. Thus, she likes to spread her mix of culture through her art which is her way of story telling.

Furniture coffee table by Yasaman Haghighat

Side table with elephant painting by Yasaman Haghighat

Since returning to England this year, she has been slowly working on her art – She hand draws illustrations for greeting cards as well as hand painting fans, furniture and household items such as bowls or coffee coasters.

Coffee coasters ‘Fruits’ by Yasaman Haghighat Coasters with elephant painting by Yasaman Haghighat

Finally, Yasaman Haghighat will be exhibiting her art works in Bristol at the Totterdown Arts Trail. This will be from 20th -22nd November 2015. For more information, please check out her Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/yas.haghighat/ and Twitter: https://twitter.com/yas_haghighat

Yours, Sirinya

Hindu Gods in Thai Culture

You may certainly have noticed thatHindu gods are very prominent in Thai culture. Thus, there are often images of these gods in Thai temples and shrines. In fact, Brahma, and Shiva are the three most important Hindu gods representing the recurring and continual cycles of birth, life, death and rebirth.

At the Ganesha Park (photo credit: Amporn Konglapumnuay)

Hindu Gods in Thai Culture

This trinity, along with the god Indra, Ganesha and some enlightened divinities and demons, have been converted to the Buddhist doctrine according to Buddhist belief. Hence, these gods often occur as guardians of temples and monasteries. In addition, they may also be seen attending the Buddha on important events in his life. Brahma, Hindu gods at the Ancient City, Samut Prakan (photo credit: Amporn Konglapumnuay)

First there is Brahma (in Thai: Phra Phrom) who is the creator in the Hindu trinity. He is commonly depicted having four heads and the book of Vedas in his hand. His female aspect is the goddess of learning, Sarasvadi and his mount is the mythical celestial swan called Hong or Hamsa. Brahma is considered a guard of doors and pediments in temples. Furthermore, he is also popular as a protector of Thai hotels. Thus, in Thai culture, he is a deity of good fortune and protection. Brahma (credit: photo , Anandajoti Bhikku, wikimedia.org)

In Thai art, Brahma is depicted in attendance to along with Indra, at the crucial events in Buddha’s life. Hence, he is also considered to be converted to Buddhism. By the way, Hindu gods might also be the subject of one or the other Thai song. For instance, Noi (Krissada Sukosol), singer of the band Pru, featured a song called ‘Brahma Brahma’. I think this song is from the horror movie ‘Pawn Shop’ (Long Jamnam, 2013).

Another important god is Vishnu who is the preserver deity of the Hindu triad. In his hand, he often holds a disk and a conch shell. His mount is , the mythical bird that is half-human and half-eagle and the natural enemy of the Nagas. In other words, Garuda can be seen as the vehicle of Vishnu. What is more, Vishnu’s avatar is Rama, the hero of the Ramakien tale. In addition, this god is also associated with Thai royalty since the kings of the Chakkri dynasty have ‘Rama’ as part of their names. Similar to Brahma, Vishnu often functions as a (door) Wat guardian.

Vishnu tympanum (photo credit: wikimedia.org)

Shiva is the destroyer and regenerator aspect of the Hindu trinity. He usually has a third eye that is centred vertically on his forehead. Further characteristics are a brahmanical cord across his torso and sometimes a crescent moon which is caught in his tangled hair. Parvati is his consort and his mount is the bull Nandi. Shiva on the bull Nandi, Prasat Muang Tam (photo credit: Ddalbiez, wikimedia.org)

The image of Ganesha (in Thai: Phra Pikanet) is also very prominent in Thai culture. For example, there is the Ganesha park in Nakhon Nayok which is considered a tribute to this elephant-headed god who is Shiva’s son. In Thailand, he is commonly seated at temple portals. What is more, he is also the patron of the arts and a protector of business. Ganesha at the same-named park in Nakhon Nayok (photo credit: Amporn Konglapumnuay)

Finally, we have the god Indra who is the god of Tavatimsa heaven. Hence, he is also the god of weather and war wielding a lightening bolt and ridingErawan , the multi-headed elephant. Indra is a temple guardian of portals and pediments. He is also prominent in the Vessantara story which is the last life of the Buddha-to-be. In addition, Indra occurs on mural paintings where he can be identified by his green colour. Along with Brahma, he is kneeling when attending Buddha during particular life events. Thus, it is indicated that the Hindu gods are subservient to Buddhism. Bangkok Wat Arun Phra Prang, God Indra and the three-headed Erawan (photo credit Tsui, wikimedia.org)

Summing up, we may claim that Hindu gods play a significant role in Thai culture. As a matter of fact, they not only show that Buddhism and are intertwined but also represent a subservience of Hinduism to Buddhism. In this context, you might also want to check out my Thai Art Motifs Glossary for more general information

Yours, Sirinya

(Reference, Carol Stratton, What’s What In A Wat, Silkworm Books, 2010) The Thai Tradition of Tattooing (Sak Yant)

The custom of tattooing has a long history in Thailand. Tattoos are generally divided into two categories, those for loving-kindness (metta) and those for invulnerability and empowerment. These tattoos are part of Thai magic (Sak Yant) and not for beautification. Thus, Sak Yant is an ancient magical practice using Buddhist, Brahman and animist imagery. In particular, Wat Bang Phra in Nakhom Pathom Province is known for Yantra tattooing by monks living in the temple. During March each year there is a tattoo festival at Wat Bang Phra.

Thai Tattoos Luang Pi Pant tattooing a Yant in Ang Tong Province (photo credit: sakyant, wikimedia.org)

Tattoos for loving-kindness serve to enhance in the person a feeling of benevolence and kindness towards others and simultaneously instill in others the same feelings to oneself. Some tattoo motifs for loving-kindness are:

Swan – the swan is the vehicle of the great God Brahma (Phra Prom) and it promises liberation from worldly bondage.

Turtle – since turtles appear to be slow and clumsy, they arouse compassion and pity. Thus, nobody truly wants to harm them. Thus, the Great Turtle Yantra also stands for auspicious blessings.

Yant Paya Tao Ruean – Great Turtle Yantra – excellent auspicious blessings, riches, treasures (Pokasap), health and long life from this Yantra (photo credit: Ajarn Man Anusas, sak- yant.com)

House Lizard – the house lizard is supposed to warn people. Hence, according to Thai belief if one hears the cry of a house lizard when about to leave the house, it is recommend not to go because something awful might happen.

Mynah Bird– the common mynah bird is sometimes tattooed on the tongue, since its song is enchanting and causes those who hear it to experience great joy.

A Buddha Image (Ongk Pra) is flanked by a Heavenly Bird Yant (photo credit: sak-yant.com)

Buddha – since the Buddha is an enlightened being, he feels compassion and loving-kindness towards all living creatures. Tattooed monk of Wat Bang Pra, sacred Thai tattoos (photo credit: sak-yant.com)

Sak Yant, the tattoos for invulnerability, however, have been selected for the intrinsic power that they possess. These characteristics may be fierceness, speed, strength, cunning and endurance among others. The tattoos are supposed to protect the wearer from bullets, knifes and other weapons. In particular, people who work in high risk occupations like soldiers, taxi and tuk-tuk drivers like to wear these kinds of tattoos. Yant See Bantat (four lines), Yant Gao Yord (Nine Peaks of Meru) Yant Jing Jok (Gecko Charms), and Yant Paed Daan (eight sided Yantra) (photo credit: sak-yant.com)

In addition, tattoos for invulnerability are also sought after by people with a criminal background like gang members and convicts. Nevertheless, Sak Yant tattoos or Yantra tattooing are nowadays very popular both with Thai people and Westerners. However, some Thai people think that Westerners fail to appreciate the true meaning and spirituality of the Sak Yant. Tattoos for invulnerability are:

Dragon – the dragon stands for fearlessness, strength and wisdom.

King Cobra – the cobra is a venomous fearless snake that will attack rather than retreat.

Eel – the eel stands for the ability to escape because it is very slippery and hard to catch.

Hanuman – the monkey god from the Ramakien is known for having powers of invulnerability and invincibility from the God Shiva. Yant Hanuman Haw Pen Daw Pen Duean (Hanuman Yawning the Moon and Stars (photo credit: sak-yant.com)

Tiger & Mythical Lion – they represent cunning, strength and fierceness.

Toad – the toad is supposed to be a robust animal since it has coarse skin. Sak Yant on Monk by Luang Pi Pant (photo credit sak- yant.com)

The Thai tattoo master is called ajahn (teacher) which is a title of respect. He is different from other tattooist because he is most often a Buddhist monk and knows the magic of symbols, figures, cabalistic signs and verses of power. It is also important to note that each tattoo has a ‘heart’ wherein the power lies. Merely the tattooist knows the location of the heart of the tattoo. Verses of power are often reduced to a few letters or even numbers. Hence, each tattoo master knows which verse is represented by the particular groups of letters. Thus, their power is protected. The following clip shows Luang Pi Pant tattooing Wat Ko Poon in Singhburi.

Summing up, we may claim that the art of Thai Tattoos are both spiritual and traditional. However, today Yantra tattooing has become an international phenomenon and there are also places in Western countries that offer these kind of tattoos. Nevertheless, people should not forget about the origin and spiritual and ‘magical’ meaning of the Sak Yant.

Yours, Sirinya

(Reference: Writing From . Treasures Myths and Traditions. The National Museum Volunteers Group, 1996)

Chin Chinawut Indracusin: Thai-French Singer

When I started becoming interested in Thai pop music about three to four years ago, Chinawut-Stéphane Indracusin, who is also known as ‘Chin‘, was the first prominent singer that I came across. Chin, born in 1989, is Thai-French. Thus, he is also a ‘luk kreung’ successful in Thai entertainment industry.

Chin Chinawut (photo credit: pinterest.com)

He started his singing career relatively early by taking part in the GMM Grammy young artist development program called ‘G- Junior’. In 2003 he came together with Guy and Jay who were also young musicians from ‘G-Junior’. Together they formed the group ‘Big 3’. At this time they primarily made Hip Hop, Rap and R&B music. However, three years later in 2006 the boys from ‘Big 3’ wanted to pursue their own solo careers. This was after the release of their album ‘We are Big 3’.

Chin Chinawut

Chin’s first solo album, released in 2007, has the upbeat title ‘Chin Up’. Hence, his first solo single “Bpak Mai Trong Gub Jai” was a great success and made him a top music star in Thailand.

Chin, Thai-French singer*

The second album ‘Maybe I’m bad’, released in December 2008, was created in New York. However, I prefer his later albums like Chinawut Indracusin (2008) and Chin Chinawut ‘I believe’ (2011). I think the following song is from the 2008 album. This is one of my favourite songs and I find one of the most beautiful love songs ever

Nevertheless, there are numerous Chin songs of this kind that I really love. Here another beautiful song that is more recent.

You see, I’m really into these kind of ballads. Here is a jazzy song that I truly cherish However, Chin also sings more rocking and catchy songs like ‘My bad habit’. By the way, actress Yaya Urassaya was in the music video to this song.

Apart from singing, Chin has also done some acting, for example he starred in a Taiwanese drama called ‘Love 18’. In addition, he is also familiar with Khon dance which is the Thai masked drama telling the story of Rama. This story is based on the Ramakien which is the Thai version of the Ramayana.

Chin as Khon character Tosakanth (photo credit: pinterest.com)

For instance, at the World Expo 2010 he also performed as a Khon dancer. He played the character Tosakanth who is the enemy of Phra Ram (Rama). In the following clip, he is getting prepared for the performance. By the way, it is an amazing fact to note that the dancers are actually sown into the costumes. You can also see this in the video of myKhon article where young dancers prepare for their show

Well, I think Chin Chinawut cuts quite a figure as a Thai pop singer but also as a classical Thai dancer. It’s amazing and as you might have noticed I like his ballads the most

Chin Up*

Do you know Chin and do you like his music? I think he encourages us to always keep our chins up

Yours, Sirinya

*photo credit: Chin Chinawut, FB page

The ‘Joe Louis’ Traditional Thai Puppet Theatre

The Joe Louis Puppet Theatre was founded in 1985 by the famous Thai puppeteer Sakorn Yang-keawsot (1922-2007). His nickname was ‘Joe Louis’ and he was acknowledged as National Artist for in 1996. Hence, he falls into the same category as Thai National Artist and painter Chakrabhand Posayakrit who also created Thai puppets and Dioramas.

Today, The Joe Louis Theatre is situated on the banks of the Chaopraya River at the Riverfront in Bangkok.

Sakorn Yang- kaewsot with Hanuman- Puppet (photo credit: our- thailand- vacations.com)

The marionettes of the Joe Louis theatre are modelled on the characters of the Thai Ramakien which is the epic story of Rama. Hence, the traditional Thai puppet theatre resembles Khon performances and the stories are thus similar too. What is more, like the Khon masked dance, Thai puppet theatre was originally only performed at the royal court until the 20th century. The Joe Louis Puppet Theatre

Scene from the Joe Louis Puppet Theatre (photo credit: tourisminasean2014.com)

Sakorn Yang-keawsot came into contact with the Thai masked drama early in his life because his parents were Khon performers and puppeteers. They were in Krae Suppavanich’s troup where Sakorn also started his career as a puppeteer and a comedian in Thai folk operas which are known as ‘likay’. However, Sakorn, or Joe Louis as he was nicknamed after the American heavyweight boxer, developed his own style of Thai puppets.

He preferred the hun lakorn lek marionettes to the larger hun luang, royal puppets. The main reason for this was that the smaller dolls were easier to handle and thus more lifelike and realistic in their mobility. However, there are mostly three people needed to control the movements of a hun lakorn lek. Here is a short video clip to show you how such a marionette is operated with the help of several persons.

The puppets are commonly made from “chewed paper” (papier- mâché), light wood and fabric. They are also full-bodied, i.e. they have limbs, a torso and heads. The individual parts of the dolls such as the fingers can also be moved by pulling on respective strings. This kind of traditional puppet theatre is always accompanied by a classic Thai music orchestra similar to that of Khon performances. The orchestra is called ‘piphat’.

The following clip shows you very nicely how the puppeteers move the fingers of the dolls. I think this makes the show very elaborate.

Joe Louis’ greatest success was winning the highest award of ‘Best Traditional Performances’ in puppetry at theWorld Festival of Puppet Art in 2008. On this occasion, the troup performed ‘the Birth of Ganesha’ who is the Hindu god of arts, success and divine powers. The show also tells of Ganesha’s efforts to maintain peace on earth.

Since Sakorn’s death in 2007, his children and grandchildren have been in charge of the performances. Their aim is to constantly improve the puppet shows so that they become even more refined and detailed and therefore extra enjoyable. Hence, they increasingly use spectacular effects to enhance the show.

Puppeteers & Puppets (photo credit: wikalenda.com)

In a nutshell, we may say that the Joe Louis Puppet Theatre is truly elaborate, amazing and stunning. The marionettes dance gracefully and there is much attention paid to details concerning their costumes and scenography. Have you been to this kind of puppet show?

Yours, Sirinya

The Khon – A Thai Dance Drama

The Khon is a traditional Thai dance drama which includes part masked dance and part play. Originally the Khon (in Thai:โขน) was only performed at the royal court. Traditionally, similar to Shakespearian dramas, the roles were played merely by men wearing masks and by narrators who told the Ramakien story on which the Khon is mainly based. The Thai Ramakien can be considered as Thailand’s National Epic in which Hindu and Buddhist mythology combine with local Thai traditions. What is more, traditional Thai puppet theatre is also similar to Khon performances since it is also based on the Ramakien.

Khon dance drama* A Thai Dance Drama

In short, the Ramakian is about Rama who fights against a demon that has abducted his wife. In addition, there are many side story and charakters in the Ramakien and thus also in the Khon. This dance drama is always accompanied by musicians playing traditional Thai instruments. This emsemble of classical Thai music is called Piphat‘ ‘.

Khon – Thai dance, a battle scene (photo credit: bangkokpost.com)

In fact, the traditional Khon shows similarities to early Shakespearian productions because not only were all roles played by men but there was also comic relief included. Comic relief are humorous scenes or characters that contribute to relieve the tension of the dramatic action. In the Khon, comic relief was most often physical and bawdy and done in more common language. However, today in modern Khon performances there are also female actors for female characters. In this context, we also come across the term khon phu ying (โขน​ผู้ หญิง). In addition, only the monkey characters and the ogre wear masks whereas most of the human-shape entities do not. Thus, the Khon always consists of four categories of people, namely the performers, the chorus, the singers and the orchestra. The performers play either a human (male or female), a demon or a monkey. In fact, the Khon has numerous characters, there are 311 in total.

There are six main characters in the Khon that I like to introduce here shortly:

Phra Ram is the incarnation of the god Phra Narai (this is the Thai incarnation of Vishnu). He is Rama, the king of Ayutthaya and wants to extinguish evil. Hence, the demon king Tosakanth (Ravana) is his greatest opponent.

Phra Ram, Hanuman & Sita*

Phra Lak is the loyal brother of Phra Ram. He helps his brother to fight against the enemies and what is more, Phra Lak has special powers because he is the incarnation of the serpent.

Sita is Phra Ram’s loyal consort. She is the incarnation of the goddess Lakshmi. However, she is also the daughter of Tosakanth.

Tosakanth (Ravana) is the demon king of Longka who is the incarnation of the demon gate keeper Nontuk. Tosakanth has ten faces and twenty arms. He destroyes everything that displeases him.

Hanuman (left) & Tosakanth (right)*

Hanuman is the monkey god, he is Phra Ram’s monkey general who defeats Tosakanth. Hanuman is loyal and funny but he is also wanton and lascivious.

Hanuman, the monkey god, luring Sita* Phipek is Tosakanth’s brother and a prophet. Since he predicts that Tosakanth will be defeated by Rama’s army, he is expelled from the city. However, after Tosakanth’s death Phipek becomes king of Longka.

By the way, the Sala Chalermkrung Royal Theatre shows the classical Thai masked dance drama. At the moment, there is a show depicting the story of Hanuman.

The Khon also extends to and influences Thai art forms like the visual arts. For instance, Thai National Artist Chrakrabhand Posayakrit painted many pictures with scenes from the Khon.

A scene from the Khon by Chakrabhand Posayakrit (photo credit: chakrabhand.org)

Finally we can say that Khon is a classical Thai dance drama that expresses Thailand’s most elaborate tradition. I’d like to show you here some impressions of a Khon performance, the following video also demonstrates how the dancers prepare for the show. For instance, Thai pop singer Chin Chinawut also performed as a Khon dancer (Tosakanth) at the World Expo in 2010. Have you been to a Khon Thai dance performance? Which of the characters do you like most?

Yours, Sirinya

(A very comprehensive source on this topic is Amolwan Kiriwat: Khon: Masked Dance Drama Of The Thai Epic Ramakian, University, Thailand, 1997)

*photo credit: Amazing Thailand, FB page

The Thai Ramakien-Thailand’s Folklore

The Thai Ramakien

The Thai Ramakien is the National Epic of Thailand. Literally translated it means “the Glory of Rama”. Thus, the Ramakien (in Thai: ราม​เกีย​รติ​์, it may also be written as ‘Ramakian’) may be considered as depicting Thailand’s folklore. In addition, we can claim that the Ramakien is the most influential piece of . Scene from the Ramakien depicted on a mural at Wat Phra Kaew (Temple of the Emerald Buddha) (photo credit: Amporn Konglapumnuay)

In point of fact, the Ramakien is based on the Ramayana which is a Sanskrit epic poem said to be written by the Hindu sage Valmiki. The characters and the storyline of the Thai Ramakien are also based on the Ramayana. Hence, the Ramakien can be considered a mythical story in which both realistic and mystical events coincide. Summing up, we may say that the Ramakien is about Rama who fights against a demon that has abducted his wife. Scenes from the Ramakien depicted on a mural at Wat Phra Kaew, Hanuman on the right side (photo credit: Amporn Konglapumnuay)

Most likely, the Ramayana was brought from India to the Khmer kingdoms which in turn spread the Ramayana tales to the Siamese Kingdom of Sukhothai. In the course of time, the Ramayana stories were written down in Siam for the first time. Nevertheless, most of the early editions of the Ramakien were lost when the Burmese conquered the former capital city Ayutthaya. A scene from the Thai Ramakien, illustration at Wat Phra Kaew (photo: Sirinya’s Thailand Blog)

The version of the Ramakien tale that endures today was edited and partially written by Rama I, the first King of the Chakri. In fact, in the Siamese Ramakien there are some changes to the original Sanskrit version of the Ramayana concerning the characters. In addition, the style and presentation became more specifically Thai. For instance, Hanuman, the monkey god, has an expanded role in the Ramakien in which he is depicted as a wanton and lascivious character. Rama I ordered and oversaw the building of he Grand Palace in Bangkok and thus also the construction of Wat Phra Kaew which has murals illustrating the Ramakien tale elaborately. Another scene from the Ramakien with demon, illustration at Wat Phra Kaew (photo: Sirinya’s Thailand Blog)

As a matter of fact, the Ramakien is depicted in many Thai temples (), additionally to the Buddha’s life stories. As mentioned, the monkey god Hanuman, who is also the commander of Rama’s Army, plays an important role in the Ramakien and its depictions. Thus, you will often come across a white monkey dancing around on the murals of the temples you visit in Thailand Hanuman the monkey god, illustration at Wat Phra Kaew (photo: Sirinya’s Thailand Blog)

The Ramakien also extends to and influences Thai art forms like theater and the visual arts. For example, Thai National Artist Chakrabhand Posayakrit painted pictures with scenes from the Ramakien. Scene from the Ramakien, Khon, painting by Chakrabhand Posayakrit (photo credit: chakrabhand.org)

Thus, Rama I’s son, Rama II, adapted his father’s epic to be a play which is known as the Khon. This Thai dance drama was originally only performed at the royal court. Khon was played by men wearing masks and by narrators who told the Ramakien story. In addition, traditional Thai puppet theatre is also similar to Khon performances since it is also based on the Ramakien. It is also important to note that in particular Siam sterling nielloware and also traditional Yantra tattooing often depicts scenes from the Ramakien. A scene from the Khon dance drama (photo credit: Amazing Thailand, FB page)

However, today there are modern forms of Khon performances. For instance, in 2006 there was also a rock opera adaption of the Ramakien in Bangkok, called ‘Ramakien: A Rak Opera’. It was performed at the Lincoln Center for Performing Arts. The band ‘Pru’ and singer Noi (Krissada Sukosol) as well as rapper and producer Joey Boy were also among the Thai pop music artists participating in this rock opera. Here are some impressions of this show.

Do you know the Thai Ramakien and have you seen its depictions on temple murals in Thailand? Do you also like Khon performances?

I’m deeply impressed by Thailand’s folklore and I really would like to see a Khon performance

Yours, Sirinya