PHETCHABURI, Thailand – The historic Phra Ram Ratchaniwet Palace in Phetchaburi province has been transformed into a stage for the Phetchaburi Harmony Puppet Festival 2025, a five-day international celebration of puppetry and cultural heritage. The event, running through May 4, showcases puppet artists and master performers from ten countries, alongside more than 35 traditional Thai shadow puppet troupes.
Held across several key locations, the festival highlights Thailand’s deep-rooted traditions in shadow puppetry, such as Nang Yai and Nang Talung. These traditional arts remain central to the province’s cultural identity and continue to be preserved through performance and education.
This year’s festival presents a rich array of performances, featuring the grand shadow puppets of Wat Phlapphla Chai, the dramatic “Battle of Prommas” Thai string puppetry, lively rod puppets, and modern interpretations by international artists. Performers from Cambodia, Japan, Indonesia, Vietnam, Hong Kong, the Philippines, Mexico, Colombia, and Singapore are contributing to the vibrant and diverse program.
In recognition of its cultural importance and successful global collaboration, the Phetchaburi Harmony Puppet Festival 2025 was recently awarded the Asia Local and Traditional Art Festival – Tangible Heritage Award by the International Festivals and Events Association Asia. The award represents growing international recognition of Phetchaburi’s efforts to safeguard traditional arts and promote cross-cultural exchange. (NNT)
