Shadow Puppetry
A puppet master at work
What we say: 
Both Nakhon Si Thammarat and Phattalung are well known for their shadow puppetry called nang thalung. The puppets are cut from buffalo hide and then they are carved into intricate characters that come from Thai drama stories. The shows are becoming increasingly rare, but puppet master Suchart Subsin has been working overtime to help keep the ancient folk art alive.
Suchart Subsin was born on July 2, 1938. He learned the art of making the shadow puppets as well as performing while growing up in the Tha Sala district. As both a shadow puppet performer and maker, he has become famous in the south of Thailand. He has received many awards (the TAT's best cultural and tourist attraction) and accolades (the award for the most outstanding performance) for his extraordinary abilities. In 1985, Subsin performed for His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej.
Subsin has opened up his home on 10/18 Si Thammarat Rd, Soi 3, to the public. It is about a ten minute walk from Wat Phra Mahathat. He has set up a beautiful museum dedicated to the history of shadow puppetry. The museum contains shadow puppets from throughout the world. Suchart Subsin enjoys putting on a show so do not pass up the opportunity to see him perform live. For only 50B, he will put on a twenty minute show which includes backstage access to see him at work. This is a culturally stimulating experience that should not be missed.
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10/18 Si Thammarat Rd, Soi 3Have your say
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