Lesotho Honorary Consul General and “Madam Joy” Join Forces with Rattanakosin Somphot Bang Khun Thian School to Nurture a New Generation of Thai Cultural Ambassadors Through “Thai Youth Khon to Africa Season 2”

Following the remarkable success of “Thai Youth Khon to Africa Season 1,” which brought Thailand’s cultural heritage to the international stage, Dr. Apichart Sudsawang, Honorary Consul General of the Kingdom of Lesotho in Thailand, together with his wife, “Madam Joy” Awasada Pokmontri, continues to advance cultural diplomacy through the power of Thai performing arts.

With strong support from the Ministry of Education, the initiative has joined forces with Mrs. Manatsadakarn Rakpongstit, Director of Rattanakosin Somphot Bang Khun Thian School, and renowned Khon instructor Kru Sahasaporn Plengpanich, an outstanding alumna of the College of Dramatic Arts and an experienced Khon teacher from Chitralada School.

Together, they are working to empower Thai youth to step onto the global stage as “Cultural Ambassadors of Thailand” through the Thai Youth Khon to Africa Season 2 project.

From Thai Youth Performance to Cultural Diplomacy

What began as a simple intention to give Thai children an opportunity to discover the wider world through arts and culture has grown into a meaningful Cultural Diplomacy initiative, attracting interest from both the education and international diplomatic communities.

At the heart of the project is Khon, Thailand’s iconic masked classical dance-drama. Through this unique art form, the project creates a cultural bridge connecting Thailand and the Kingdom of Lesotho, while opening opportunities for deeper cultural exchange with countries across Africa.

A Historic First Season on the African Stage

Two years ago, Thai Youth Khon to Africa Season 1 created a significant milestone for Thai cultural diplomacy.

A delegation of 11 young Thai performers was honored to perform Khon at the official celebration of the 200th Anniversary of the Kingdom of Lesotho at the National Stadium in Maseru.

The performance took place before the King and Queen of Lesotho, heads of state, national leaders, and official representatives from more than 25 African countries, as well as an audience of tens of thousands.

The performance not only captivated audiences but was also recognized as an inspiring example of using Thai Soft Power through youth and cultural exchange. It introduced the beauty and heritage of Khon to an international audience and helped strengthen the friendship and cultural ties between Thailand and Lesotho.

Thai Youth Khon to Africa Season 2: Creating Cultural Ambassadors

Building on the success of Season 1, Madam Joy Avasada Pocmontri, Chairwoman of the project, together with Dr. Apichart Sudsawang, Honorary Consul General of the Kingdom of Lesotho in Thailand, has continued the initiative with Thai Youth Khon to Africa Season 2.

The second season aims to create meaningful opportunities for a new generation of Thai youth to explore the world, experience international cultural exchange, develop confidence and broaden their perspectives — while representing Thailand as young Cultural Ambassadors.

Official Project Kick-off at Praya Palazzo Bangkok

The official Thai Youth Khon to Africa Season 2 Kick-off Project was held in an elegant setting at Praya Palazzo Bangkok, bringing together distinguished guests, cultural leaders, educators, media representatives and supporters of the project.

The event was honored by the presence of His Royal Highness General Prince Chalermsuk Yugala, who presided over the ceremony and graciously shared valuable guidance with the organizing team and the young Thai participants.

Guests were also treated to a premium lunch experience featuring cuisine of Michelin-level quality, reflecting the event’s commitment to showcasing Thailand’s excellence in both culture and hospitality.

Among the distinguished guests were Khun Porsche Pajaree Phankamhaeng, Founder of Hospitality Thailand and M.D. of Hospitality Marketing Consultant, Khun Ploy Ploinisa Worapisitkun, Founder of SDP, together with distinguished guests and leading honorary media representatives.

The young Thai performers are preparing to travel to Maseru, Lesotho, in October 2026, where they will participate in celebrations marking the 60th Anniversary of Lesotho’s Independence.

Celebrating Thai Youth Through Performing Arts

Another highlight of the Kick-off event was an elegant ballroom dance performance by Khun Lucky – Yossapat Sudsawang and Prim – Natchapha Nitithamayang, young ballroom dancers from Chitralada School.

Their graceful performance impressed guests and reflected the remarkable discipline, confidence and artistic potential of Thailand’s younger generation.

Khun Lucky also took part in the Khon performance “Nakbas Arrow: The Great War of Gods and Demons,” portraying the Naga, an important mythical character responsible for infusing Indrajit’s Nakbas Arrow with deadly poison.

“We Are Not Simply Bringing a Performance. We Are Bringing Thai Children as a Gift of Friendship.”

Speaking about the continuation of the project, “Madam Joy” Avasada Pocmontri shared her vision:

“Season 1 showed us that when Thai children are given an opportunity, they can create beautiful impressions among people from different cultures. That experience strengthened my belief that we should give many more Thai children the opportunity to experience the same journey.

“As Lesotho celebrates the 60th Anniversary of its Independence, we are not simply bringing a Khon performance. We are bringing Thai children as a gift of friendship from Thailand. These young people will represent our country and share the beauty of Thai arts and culture while creating meaningful impressions and lasting friendships.”

A Partnership Built on Cultural Exchange and Shared Vision

Behind the success of Thai Youth Khon to Africa is the close collaboration between Dr. Apichart Sudsawang, Honorary Consul General of the Kingdom of Lesotho in Thailand, and Madam Joy Avasada Pocmontri, who have worked together to develop and drive the project from its inception.

Their shared vision extends beyond performing arts. The initiative seeks to use culture, education and youth empowerment as tools for international friendship, creating opportunities for Thai young people to gain global experience while introducing Thailand’s rich cultural heritage to the world.

“More Than a Performance — It Is About Building People.”

As the project prepares to bring the Thai youth Khon performance to the Kingdom of Lesotho, Madam Joy was asked about her ultimate goal for the initiative.

Her answer was clear:

“I do not expect every child to become a professional performer. What I hope is that they return home with experience, confidence and pride — knowing that, at one point in their lives, they had the opportunity to serve as a cultural ambassador for Thailand.

“It is more than a performance. It is about building people.”

Through Thai Youth Khon to Africa Season 2, Thai culture is traveling beyond borders — not simply through a traditional performance, but through the voices, talent and aspirations of a new generation.

These young performers represent a new chapter of Thai Cultural Diplomacy and Soft Power, demonstrating how arts, education and youth exchange can create lasting international connections between Thailand, Lesotho and the wider global community.