Siam Ocean World brings the aquatic legends of Thai Literature to life in the “Mythical Adventures from the Depths of Thai Legends” campaign
With the internet, cinema and video gaming, many young Thais are unaware of the wonderful stories, legends and folklores that abound in Thai literature. These stories go beyond one's imagination, taking the reader to a time and place filled with more drama, romance, action and suspense than a modern day movie blockbuster. These beautifully written stories over time have been interpreted by skilled artisans, depicting the characters of these legends with impressive detail and imagination.
Many Thai literatures include mythical sea creatures drawn from the boundless imagination of writers or poets. The classic Thai legend 'Phra Aphai Manee' was written by the late poet Sunthorn Phu, inspiring the famed mythical creature 'Ma Nin Mungkon'. This half dragon-half horse sea creature possessed a Naga like tail, a body decorated with black shining scales, fangs of diamonds, a forked tongue and endless magical powers. It is believed that Sunthorn Phu may have based the mythical creature on a unicorn-like Chinese mythical creature the 'Qilin'.
There are many mythical creatures in Thai literatures, such as; the Saringka Mussaya - the golden giant fish, a form in which Phra Narai came to Earth as an Avatar , to help save mankind from massive flood with a giant crest; or Mucha Nu, the son of Hanuman (the monkey-God) and Suwan-Mucha (a mermaid). From this epic story of Ramayana, Mucha Nu possessed great powers both on land and in the sea. In addition there is also Kunchorn Waree - a sea animal of the form of an elephant and a fish who was an excellent swimmer of the oceans and incredibly strong; and Mucha Wan or Anonda Fish - where legend anointed Anonda fish to be the king in the land of Mucha. He was benevolent and graceful and refrained from eating other sea animals to bring peace to the ocean. But one day, he accidentally had a taste for the little fish in his kingdom and became addicted to the taste and started hunting, causing a tremendous fracas and driving away all other fishes. In his chase he swam around the Khao Sumain (mountain). He saw a fish tail and started chasing it in circles around the mountain, not knowing it was his own. News reached the Gods came down to enlighten.
From all these remarkable legends, Siam Ocean World recognizes the value and wonder of Thai Literature. Therefore, we would like to play a part in preserving these valuable legends, as well as, encourage the hidden wonders of imagination amongst Thai youth. Thus, Siam Ocean World has organized the “Mythical Adventures from the Depths of Thai Legends” to welcome Thai youth this summer; where they can become absorbed in by these marvelous aquatic legends blending the stories of old with the true life and wonderment of Siam Ocean World’s aquatic displays.
A special highlight will be an under-the-water show at the Ocean Theatre entitled “The Wonders of Sea Mythical Creatures in Thai Literature”. Visitors will get an up-close experience of these underwater creatures of legend; At the Crystal Island stage visitors can see the live performance of “Susakorn defeats Ma Nin Mungkorn”. Visitors will enjoy the magnificent re-enactment of the Ma Nin Mungkorn and the Crystal Island and become touched by the everlasting friendship between them.
Mr. Geoff Olson, General Manager of Siam Ocean World Bangkok talks about the objective of organizing the event “The main objective of organizing this campaign is because we would like to play a part of preserving these valuable Thai Literatures as they are beautiful and are produced from great poets of the past eras. In addition, these are one of many important National heritage in terms of language, moreover these legends insinuate good points for thought that Thai youth can benefit from, for example “Samutsakon and Ma Nin Mungkon”. The campaign is more than story telling and edutainment but the young generation will gain good lessons and learn ways to live their life, such as; You must first, be open minded and sympathetic towards others before you can achieve long lasting friendship. In addition, we hope that the show “The Wonders of Sea Mythical Creatures in Thai Literature” will not only give joy and entertainment to youth but will ultimately charm them into learning more about Thai literature”.
Aside from captivating shows, Siam Ocean World will provide opportunity for Thai youth to participate in these Thai legends in many special activities such as the Paper Mask Character game - where you can recreate your favourite mythical creature with paper masks; Thai literature book game kiosk – uncover mythical Thai creatures by unveiling their secrets by souvenir paper-shading games; Giant magnet – recreate your own imaginative sea creature from giant magnets. Interact with the Thai mythical legend photo opportunities and be astounded by the talents and imagination of Thailand’s renowned painter Mr. Rong – Jitsing Somboon and of his ten foot long wall painting of the legendary Naga. Be inspired by the paintings and drawings of Thai youth who have depicted images of these mythical creatures. Be captivated and unleash your imagination.
This term break, come and join us in discovering the magical truth about Sea Mythical Creatures of Thai Literature and become mesmerized with captivating shows in
“The Mythical Adventure from the Depths of Thai Legends”
From today until May 16th, 2010
at Siam Ocean World B1-B2, Siam Paragon
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Special promotion! Get Bht.100 discount when visiting before noon (Normal admission price: Adult 380/Child 280) From March 19th - May 16th, 2010 at Siam Ocean World. Take the escalator next to the Food Court.
Details of the shows:
“Samutsakon and Ma Nin Mungkon” - 4 rounds as follows: 11:00/14:00/15:00 and 17:00 and two additional rounds at 13:00 and 18:00 during the weekends and public holidays at the Rocky shore zone.
“The Marvelous of Sea Animals in Thai Literature” - 3 rounds as follows: 11:00/12:30/15:30 and additional round at 17:00 during the weekends and public holidays at the Ocean Theater.
