Southern stars to headline Phuket’s Wat Chalong Fair

PHUKET: Famed Southern Thai singers and artists including top-billing performer Bow Wee will headline at the annual Wat Chalong Fair, which starts on January 30.

Other stars performing at the seven-day event include Thai country music (luk-thung) singers Det Issara, Luang Kai, Tai Orathai and Ekachai Sriwichai.

“Everyone is welcome to join the fun. There will be a lot of food, entertainment, sideshow rides, games and stalls at the fair,” Chalong Mayor Samran Jindaphol told the Phuket Gazette.

“Of course Thais and foreigners alike are invited to make merit at the temple while they are there.”

Each night, the stage entertainment will start at 7pm and include a performance with the renowned Southern Thai Nang Talung shadow puppets.

Each Nang Talung troupe brings with it a standard repertoire of traditional shadow plays, but most troupes also have at least one modern play up their sleeve that often drifts into political and social satire.

While the plays are visually entertaining, it is strongly suggested to bring a native Southern Thai speaker to make sure no jokes or jibes are missed.

The nightly entertainment at the fair is as follows:

January 30: Concert by Det Issara, Sanook Singmat and Jar RockPadSan Rsiam; Nang Talung by the Narong troupe.

January 31: Concert by Ying Thitikarn; live comedy by Ball Chernyim; and Nang Talung by Prajuab.

February 1: Concert by Nui Suweena, Silvergold Trio and Mos Monton; and Nang Talung by Kom Sor Talung Bandits.

February 2: Concert by Bew Kalayanee; Karakade Rsiam and Jingreedkao Wongtewan; and Nang Talung by Sumet Super Piak.

February 3: Concert by Bow Wee, Kratae and Yim Rsiam; and Nang Talung by Iad-nui.

February 4: Concert by Luang Kai and Tai Orathai; and Nang Talung by Iad-nui.

February 5: Concert by Ekachai Sriwichai; Nang Talung by Nong-Ya.

— Chutharat Plerin