Royal patronage revives Thai masked dance khon

Thai traditional masked dance-drama has been a central royal initiative, leading to the dramatic revival of the high-art performance under the patronage of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit The Queen Mother.

This revived form is widely known as the Khon of the SUPPORT Foundation or Royal Khon. The massive restoration effort began in 2003 after Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn expressed concern that the classical art form faced decline due to a lack of both performers and audiences.

The 2025 production, titled “Sattaya Phali,” will run from November 6 to December 8 at the Thailand Cultural Centre’s main auditorium. It is staged to express profound gratitude for the Queen Mother’s benevolence in ensuring the survival of Thailand’s high-art drama.