According to Culture Minister Vira Rojpojchanarat, the upcoming event, the first of its kind in Thailand, will be held from 1 to 10 November in the heart of Bangkok. It is also the largest puppet festival ever held in many countries.
The opening ceremony will take place at Sanam Luang ceremonial ground on 1 November. Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha has been invited to preside over the opening ceremony. Performances will spread out to many sites along the Rattanakosin Historical Area. Apart from Sanam Luang, these areas include the National Theater, the Wang Na Theater, the Ratchadamnoen Contemporary Art Center, the National Gallery Bangkok, the National Museum, the King Rama III Memorial Park, Sala Charlermkrung Royal Theater, the Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn Anthropology Center, and the Siam Paragon Shopping Complex. Admission is free.
The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration will facilitate the travel by visitors to the event, with four streetcars to run around the sites inside and around Rattanakosin Historical Area. Visitors are urged to use public transportation rather than their own cars to travel to the performance venues.
The Culture Minister said that the carnival would provide a great opportunity for Thailand to show its cultural heritage and attract visitors from all parts of the world. All participating countries will exhibit puppets that reflect their culture and artistic wealth. Puppeteers are inspired to share their art, culture, and customs.
The event will also help promote tourism during the Loy Krathong Festival, one of Thailand’s most impressive and popular annual cultural events. Loy Krathong Day in 2014 falls on 6 November. The Tourism Authority of Thailand is preparing special tourism programs for puppeteer groups, as well.
Head of Hun Luang Troupe, Bunditpatanasilpa Institute, Surat Jongda said that the ancient performance of Hun Luang would be revived during the Harmony World Puppet Carnival. This performance will be one of the highlights of the carnival.
Hun Luang, also referred to as Hun Yai, was performed from the Ayutthaya to early Bangkok period. One meter high, the features, clothing, and jewelry are identical to the khon, masked drama. The marionettes are hollow and have many strings attached for good control. Each character requires two or three people to manipulate it. The stories used are the same as for Lakhon Nai drama. Thai puppets are manipulated from below, rather than above.
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