Prince of Songkla University, in collaboration with the Fine Arts Department, Thaksin University Songkhla Campus, together with the Army Wives Association, 4th Army Region Branch, organized the “Khon meets Nora” cultural heritage show on 4 August 2023, featuring the story of Ramakien series: “Phra Chakri defeats upheaval”. Asst. Prof. Dr. Pongthep Sutheravut, Vice President for Administration and Strategy, and Acting Vice President for Trang Campus, delivered welcome remarks. On the next day, performers acted out the story of Ramakien series: “Ramakut Ayutthaya”. This event was honored by Mr. Khajonsak Chareonsopha, Governor of Trang province, at the Convention Center Commemorating His Majesty the King's 7th Cycle Birthday Anniversary, Prince of Songkla University, Trang Campus.
The performances were directed and performed by Mr. Pakorn Pornphisut from the Office of Performing Arts, Fine Arts Department, and Asst. Prof. Tammanit Nikomrat, National Artist of the Year 2021 from Thaksin University, Songkhla Campus. Over 200 actors of Khon and Manora participated in the performances. The event also featured an academic forum on Khon and Manora with Thaksin University, in remembrance of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit The Queen Mother's grace, and in honor of Her Majesty on the important occasion of Her Majesty's birthday on 12 August 2023. Her Majesty the Queen is widely recognized for having patronized, honored, and preserved Khon dancing art as a cultural heritage of Thailand. Later Her Majesty Queen Suthida Bajrasudhabimalalakshana inherited the royal advice in this context, by Her Majesty's initiative to conserve and restore Khon performances.
“Khon” and “Nora” are considered the intangible cultural heritage of humanity, officially recognized by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), contributing to its status as a cultural medium for connecting Thailand as one, under the concept of “Khon Connecting Thai”, the diversity of indigenous cultures on the same land.
