Written and reported by MOOK Traveler’s Life Network, Li Xinyi
The “2012 Thai Festival” will be held on September 8–9 from 14:00 to 20:00 at the Xinyi Shin Kong Mitsukoshi Scented Boulevard Plaza. Each year, the festival organizers invite cultural performance troupes from Thailand to participate. This year, the invited Klong Bang Luang Puppet Show troupe will present a century-old puppet performance. In addition to the puppet shows, the main stage will feature exciting activities such as Muay Thai demonstrations, green papaya salad workshops, and traditional Thai dance performances.
The Klong Bang Luang Puppet Troupe is a well-known performing group based in Bangkok. (Photo by MOOK Traveler’s Life Network, Li Xinyi)
The Klong Bang Luang Puppet Troupe is made up of passionate puppet enthusiasts. Each puppet is operated by three professional puppeteers who must become one with their puppets on stage, ensuring every part of the puppet moves fluidly and realistically like a human. As a result, only those with long-term training in traditional dance can become puppeteers. The performance is highly vivid and the interaction with the audience is charming and fun. To reduce the visibility of the performers and focus attention on the puppets, all members wear black masks—this has gradually become a signature feature of the troupe. To see this traditional Thai art form, one would normally have to visit Bangkok, but now visitors can enjoy it live at the Thai Festival. The Tourism Authority of Thailand booth not only offers the latest travel information but also features an interactive quiz game for participants. Those who answer correctly will receive a specially designed Thai T-shirt, while even those who don’t win will get a cute doll keychain.
A green papaya salad making demonstration will also be held at the Thai Festival. (Image provided by the Tourism Authority of Thailand)
● Read more: Top 10 Destinations in Thailand Series / 10 Must-Visit Sites in Thailand’s Ancient Civilization
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