On 15 January 2013, H.E. Wiboon Khusakul, Ambassador of the Royal Kingdom of Thailand to China, and the renowned Joe Louis Puppet Troupe of Thailand attended the micro-blog interview of "Sharing with You the Art of Thai Puppet", which was co-hosted by ASEAN-China Centre and Sina.com. Ambassador Wiboon and the artists shared their views with Chinese Internet users on Thai traditional puppet shows, Thai cultural heritages, people's life and cuisine, and the effect on the promotion of Thai tourism brought by the Chinese comedy film "Lost in Thailand" 

As recommended by the ASEAN-China Centre, the Joe Louis Puppet Troupe came to China to perform at the Beijing TV Spring Festival Global Gala. 

The official Micro Blog (weibo) of the Thai Embassy in Beijing was launched on the same day.

Q: Your Excellency, could you brief us on Thailand-China relations, especially in culture?

A: Culture plays a very important role in promoting mutual understandings and good relations between the two countries’ peoples. We can see Thailand-China relations and cultural communication in prosperity now. For example, the largest Chinese Culture Centre in Asian is set up in Bangkok and Thailand will also set up its culture centre in China, hosting regular cultural activities such as teaching Thai food and language. We hope the future generation could do even better.  

Q: How long is the history of puppet show in Thailand? How does Thailand protect its traditional performing art?

A: The puppet show in Thailand has a history more than a century. Though disappearing during the Second World War, Mr. Joe Luis resumed this art and drew broad attention at home and abroad. The Joe Luis Troupe continues this glory to this day. The whole society attaches more and more importance to the troupes of unique Thai characteristics and makes donation to it.  Thai Embassies also shoulder the responsibility to introduce the puppet show to the whole world. We must assure the funds of maintaining the high art level for the puppet troupe.  

Q: Where can we watch the show in Thailand? Is it expensive?

A: We are building the theatre just for Joe Luis puppet show in the well-know Asian night market by Menam River and it will be completed towards the end of 2013. The ticket is about 80 Yuan RMB. You can enjoy the traditional programs in puppet show, such as Monkey King, Snake King and Roc, together with Thai food. We are also every eager to cooperate with Chinese counterpart and it must be exciting to see two countries’ Monkey Kings perform together.   

Q：Have you seen the movie Lost in Thailand?

A: It’s marvelous! As the Ambassador, I would like to thank the movie and Chinese tourists! Last year, more than 2 million Chinese people visited Thailand. It proved the development of China’s economy and the attraction of Thailand’s tourism. Besides the story, there are colorful culture and custom as well as delicious food and fruit in Thailand waiting for you. But for this film, it is very hard for myself to get an air ticket back to Thailand now......