If you have a chance to visit the temple fair, you will hear music from distance and when you get closer to the stage there are 2 things you will find. 1. A regular concert 2. Likay, it’s a loud, sparkly, wildly entertaining traditional theatre that is equal parts drama, comedy, music, and chaos. It’s one of the most underrated cultural experiences in Thailand.
Likay is a form of Thai folk theatre that blends these elements together: singing, dance, poetry, improvising, melodrama, and flashy costumes. When you look at the stage you will see actors speaking in poetic Thai and a short moment later, they cry dramatically and a short while after they start telling jokes that make the audience laugh, that’s Likay.
The costumes for Likay are outstanding because they are made of bright silk, sequins, swarovski-style crystals, and heavy embroidery. Traditional Likay costumes imitate royal clothing from the Ayutthaya period, but with a twist, they’re exaggerated, almost fantasy-like. The lead actors often become celebrities, and their stage presence is part glam, part charm, part pure confidence.
And talking about music these instruments are included in Likay band ranad ek (Thai xylophone), klong khaek drums, pi (Thai oboe), cymbals and gongs. The music constantly shifts tempo to match the emotions, upbeat during funny or chaotic scenes, soft during romantic scenes, and fast during fight scenes. Sometimes the actors sing live. Sometimes they lip-sync.
The best part of Likay is the improvisation. The story may follow a traditional plot of a prince searching for a bride, a lost royal child, a jealous lover but the dialogue is completely free. Give the actor opportunities to shine and show how quickly they can come up with something that can draw audience attention. Actors often throw in local gossip, political jokes, random modern references, and sometimes they tease each other. Which make likay unpredictable and unlike any theatre in Thailand.
Where can you watch Likay you may wonder, you can watch it at:
- Temple fairs
- Rural festivals
- Special cultural events
- Dedicated theatres
Even in a world of social media Likay continues to survive — and not just out of nostalgia. It survives because it connects generations, genuinely fun, keeps old poetry and music alive, and it gives local communities a shared cultural experience.
When you go to the stage one thing you will notice right away is that the audience are mostly middle-aged and elderly locals enjoying the show just like they used to enjoy in their childhood. These fans usually tip a lot some fans tip the lead actor around 100,000 THB per show. This shows how important Likay is to them.
If you want a taste of the real Thai countryside vibe, the heart, humor, and warmth. Likay is one of the purest cultural experiences you can find. Go in with zero expectations. Let the colorful costumes, dramatic acting, and booming music wash over you. And don’t be surprised if you leave with a huge smile.