Watching a Thai Likay E-mail
Written by Richard Barrow   
Thursday, 01 June 2006
Likay Likay

The next time you are in Thailand, you might have the opportunity to watch a likay. This is a kind of outdoors entertainment that is put on to please the masses. It is what people used to watch in the old days before the era of television and soap operas. There is plenty of fun and laughter but also plenty of singing. It is easy to spot a likay from a mile away. First there are the very bright lights and extremely loud sound system. Then when you get nearer you will notice the actors are wearing brightly coloured costumes that twinkle under the lights. These shows are often put on for free at funerals or other events. If you like a particular actor or actress you can give them a garland of paper money.


I shot this at a funeral in Cha-am. You don't have to be a mourner to watch. everyone is welcome. Actually, some say that the performance wasn't for us but for the deceased. So, it doesn't really matter if no-one watches or not!

Visit thai-blogs.com for a story I wrote about watching another likay near my house.

A better quality version of this video can also be downloaded free of charge from the download section.