Thailand-Traditional
Many traditional forms of entertainment,art and sports are still very much in evidence today.
Undoubtedly a fascinating part of anybody's trip is the discovery of these more traditional aspects of our
rich culture,whether stumbling across a shrine dance or joining the crowds at a "Muay Thai" match.
PERFORMING ARTS
Of all our traditional performing arts,the most famous is the masked dance drama known "Khon".
Khon stories are derived from the Ramakien.The Thai version of the Indian Ramayana,which tells
the epic account of the abduction of Nang Sida,wife of god-king Phra Ram by the wicked king Thotsaikan,
and results in the triumph of good over evil.All the characters wear ornate costumes and magnificent papier-mache masks
and the story is told through stylized gestures and postures,once considered so strenuous that all
the performers were man.Performances can be seen at the National Theater in Bangkok and at many restaurants
offering cultural evenings.
"Lakorn" and "Likay" are popular derivations
of Khon,but without the masks.Lakhon can be seen regularly at popular shrines,such as the Erawan
shrines in Bangkok,where performers are commissioned to dance by worshippers.
SPECTATOR SPORTS
Muay Thai BoxingThai-style boxing originated in Ayutthaya five centuries ago,
yet still draws large crowds every night at two Bangkok stadiums.At once a sport and a means of self-defense,
Thai boxing differs dramatically sport and a means form in that the fighters are free to use almost every part
of their body except the head as a weapon.The feet are the deadliest and the skill with which they are used gives a
certain grace to a bout,enhanced by the traditional music played throughout.
TakrawInvolving a ball made of woven rattan,takro can be observed throughout the kingdom
wherever groups of men or boys gather after work.The feet,knees,elbows,shoulders and the head-but not the hands-are used to keep
the ball in the air,often with displays of extraordinary grace.
Traditional massageTraditional massage is a centuries-old health restoration for Thais.One of the most
famous places to experience this at Wat Pho,pne of Bangkok's oldest and largest temples,located just south of the Grand Palace.
Here massage is both practiced and taught.In the late aternoon visitors flock to the temple to experience the healing hands of the practiced
masseurs.In addition,traditional massage,locally know as "Nuet Phanburan",is available at a larfe
variety of locations throughout the country.
TRADITIONAL
