As part of the celebrations to mark the 60^th Anniversary of His Majesty the King's Accession to the Throne, the Sala Chalermkrung Foundation has joined hands with the Crown Property Bureau, and the Tourism Authority of Thailand to sponsor a series of Khon (Thai masked dance) performances at Sala Chalerm­krung Royal Theatre.

Traditionally an entertainment of the upper classes, Khon performances have always been rare. This is especially true for Khon Luang (royal Khon), whose origins can be traced di­rectly back to the artists of the court. Perfor­mances have usually been limited to special ceremonies honoring the king or to festivities

welcoming dignitaries on official visits to Thai­land. Consequently, members of the general public have had few opportunities to witness this magnificent spectacle. In presenting these performances at this time, the Sala Chalerm­krung seeks not only to contribute to the pres­ervation of this exquisite art form but also to give audiences from all strata of society an opportunity to participate in this precious cul­tural and artistic legacy. It is hoped that the performances will instill in the young an admi­ration for the beauty of their national culture, and that foreign visitors will come away with a profound sense of wonder for the exquisite artistry of Thailand.