On February 28, 2026, Mr. Chadchart Sittipunt, Governor of Bangkok, redefined the city’s cultural landscape by launching the inaugural “Likay in the Park” at Lumphini Park’s Sala Phiromphakdi. Expanding on the successful “Music in the Park” initiative, this event aims to bridge the generational gap by bringing traditional Thai folk theater into a modern urban setting to showcase the nation’s vibrant soft power. The debut featured a star-studded lineup headlined by the sensational Sornram Nampetch (Sornram Aneklap), whose performance drew an enthusiastic crowd of both longtime devotees and curious younger fans.
Governor Chadchart shared that the inspiration for the event struck after he witnessed the massive youth following for Sornram during a visit to MBK, prompting him to question why such a deeply ingrained cultural art form shouldn’t share the same public stage as classical orchestras. The Governor emphasized that Bangkok’s parks are inclusive spaces for all artistic expressions, asserting that if Western music has a home in the greenery, traditional Likay certainly does as well. Beyond entertainment, the initiative seeks to introduce international visitors to the intricate storytelling and elaborate costumes of the genre, proving that classic arts can seamlessly blend with urban lifestyles.
The trial run was a resounding success, with the audience showering performers with traditional garlands from 17.00 to 19.30 hrs. Mr. Sanon Wangsrangboon, Deputy Governor of Bangkok, and Mr. Torsak Chotimongkol, Chairman of Advisors to the Governor of Bangkok, joined the festivities, signaling strong administrative support for the program. Looking ahead, Governor Chadchart indicated that the BMA is eager to expand the series to other districts and explore other performance styles like ballroom dancing to keep the city’s green spaces lively. By transforming Lumphini Park into a stage for folk theater, the BMA is not only preserving a classic art form but also making Bangkok a more culturally diverse and livable city for all.
#LikayInThePark #LumphiniPark #MusicInThePark #SornramNampetch #LivableCityForAll
