Nang Yai
Shadow Puppet Show
On 26 March 2026 the Thai government approved a resolution to propose “Nang Yai” (traditional Thai shadow puppet show) for UNESCO registration as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, using “Nang Yai Wat Khanon, Ratchaburi Province” as the model for presentation.
Nang Yai incorporate various episodes of the epic tale of the Ramakien. The art form’s traditions originated around the beginning of the 15th century.
Nang Yai performances were a popular means of entertainment during the Ayutthaya period and are mentioned in a poem called “Bunnovat Khamchan”, written around the years 1751 to 1758. The earliest weitten mention of Nang Yai in Thai records is from 1458.
Nang Yai performances are traditionally held in open spaces such as a lawn or village dirt space. A large white cloth screen with a decorated border is stretched across the stage. Behind the screen, a fire used to be lit to project the puppets’ shadows, although electric lights are used now.
During the show, a Thai instrumental ensemble (usually a piphat) plays music appropriate to each episode, synchronized with the puppets’ action. Offstage reciters tell the story in a sort of heightened speech.
The Nang Ya puppet figures are made from perforated cow or buffalo hide, each weighing about three or four kilograms. The biggest puppet is one which characterizes a place, weighing around five to seven kilograms.
One place very famous for still performing this ancient art form is Wat Khanom in Ratchaburi province.
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