TAT stages ‘Nang Yai’ shadow puppet theatre to enrich ‘Happy Quarantine’ experience

Bangkok, 29 January, 2021 – The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) continues to enhance and enrich the Amazing Thailand Happy Quarantine activities to help break the boredom of quarantine for tourists. This time through traditional ‘Nang Yai’ shadow puppet theatre performances.

The fourth episode of the ‘Amazing Nang Yai’ show at the Royal Rattanakosin Hotel on 25 January, followed by the fifth episode at the Chor Cher Hotel on 26 January formed part of TAT’s ongoing efforts to lighten the mood for quarantined tourists. Both episodes delighted a total of 403 quarantined tourists who watched from the safety of their hotel balconies.

‘Nang Yai’ is considered to be one of the oldest traditions of storytelling in the world, and today still retains massive cultural and ritual significance in many local communities around Thailand.  

The shadow puppet theatre combines the expertise of various Thai artisans and their respective forms. It showcases detailed craftsmanship, Thai classical dance, Thai music, and literature that are merged together to create a captivating performance that charms and entertains audiences.

Puppets are made of painted buffalo hide cut into intricate patterns representing traditional characters, while the story is narrated by songs, chants, music, and improvisations.

TAT also emphasised the importance of safety for both the performers and audience by strictly following the DMHTT precautions as advised by the Centre for COVID-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) to prevent the spread of COVID-19: D – Distancing, M – Mask wearing, H – Handwashing, T – Temperature check, and T – Thai Chana contact tracing application.

In addition to the Nang Yai shadow puppet theatre shows, the Amazing Thailand Happy Quarantine activities also include the weekly ‘Happy DIY Set Competition’ and ‘Blog it down’ contest, which have taken place between December 2020 and January 2021.

For more information on the Amazing Thailand Happy Quarantine, go to www.tourismthailand.org/happyquarantine.