Prime Minister Narendra Modi attended a special performance of Ramakien, the Thai adaptation of the Indian epic Ramayana, during his visit to Thailand on Thursday. The event showcased the deep cultural ties between India and Thailand, highlighting the shared heritage of the two nations.
The performance was led by Ekkalak Nu-ngoen and a group of students from the Faculty of Music and Drama at the Bunditpatanasilpa Institute in Thailand. The retelling of the epic was unique, as it combined Bharatanatyam, a classical Indian dance form, with Khon, a traditional Thai dance style. This fusion of art forms demonstrated the strong cultural connections between the two countries.
The Ramayana is an important story in both Indian and Thai traditions. In India, Lord Rama is worshipped as the Prince of Ayodhya, while in the Thai version, he is known as Phra Ram. Despite differences in names and artistic presentation, both versions of the epic emphasize values of sacrifice, duty, devotion, and the ultimate victory of good over evil. This reflects the common cultural roots that India and Thailand share.
Thailand’s Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs, Lalivan Karnchanachari, welcomed PM Modi’s presence at the event. She expressed her excitement, saying, “We are honored to welcome PM Modi to our beautiful country as he is here to attend the BIMSTEC meeting. The performance was a perfect blend of Indian and Thai cultures, and we hope the Prime Minister enjoys his time here.”
One of the performers also shared their joy at being part of such an important occasion. “We are very happy to perform Ramayana and Ramakien, combining Thai classical dance with Bharatanatyam, in front of the Prime Minister and other distinguished guests,” the artist said.
PM Modi’s Grand Welcome in Thailand
Before attending the Ramakien performance, PM Modi received a warm welcome from the Indian diaspora and local Indian community members in Bangkok. As he arrived at his hotel, he was greeted with a Garba dance performance, which is a traditional folk dance from Gujarat. This gesture was a tribute to his Indian heritage and created a joyful atmosphere.
PM Modi is in Thailand to participate in the BIMSTEC (Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation) Leaders’ Summit, which is taking place in Bangkok. The summit brings together leaders from South and Southeast Asian countries to discuss regional cooperation in areas such as trade, security, and development.
Upon his arrival at the Bangkok airport, PM Modi was received by Thailand’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport, Suriya Jungrungreangkit. The Indian Prime Minister also shared pictures from the airport, where he was seen interacting with members of the Indian community. The community members greeted him with great excitement, reflecting the strong ties between India and Thailand.
Strengthening India-Thailand Relations
PM Modi’s visit to Thailand, along with his participation in cultural events like the Ramakien performance, highlights the strong diplomatic and cultural ties between India and Thailand. Events like these help strengthen the bond between nations by celebrating shared traditions and values.
His participation in the BIMSTEC Leaders’ Summit is also expected to enhance regional cooperation and boost India’s relationship with Southeast Asian nations.
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