Picture
Last week, we saw an "Ancient Thai Traditional Puppet" performance performing Thai literature called "Ramayana" or the war between the gods and the giants. The Ramayana is the epic story that originates from India. In Thailand people uses this story for "Thai Mask Dance". So, Thai Mask Dance, it's a pattern of "Hun Lakorn Lek", the movement of the “Hun Lakorn Lek” seem like a Thai Mask Dance.   Thai Puppetry has been apart of Thai culture and tradition for hundreds of years. The first puppet performance was called "Hun Luang" otherwise known as Royal Puppet. It first started during the Ayutthaya period, but only during royal functions or within the royal palace were these puppets performed. Later, during the reign of King Rama 4, "Hun Lek", or Small Puppets performed Niew Jeen (Chinese Opera) and the Ramayana along with "Hun Kabok" or Stick Puppet and Hun Lakorn Lek otherwise known as Traditional Thai Small Puppets became open to the public and performed widely all around the country.Hun Lakorn Lek is continuing its tradition by passing down its knowledge to the next generation by opening a small children puppet theater, preparing them for performance as well as to love and appreciate this old traditional art form.This house is located close to Wat Arun ('the Temple of Dawn'), Baan Silapin is based within a two-story building that includes an art gallery, as well as lots of examples of Thai handicrafts. The wooden, Manila-style house features a gently sloping roof and gables, which are beautifully decorated with intricate wooden carvings. 

The house belongs to a family of goldsmiths with the surname Raksamruat. Since the beginning of the Rattanakosin era (1782-present), several members of this family have also served as government officials. Since the area has featured luxury homes belonging to influential families and high-ranking government officials, this stretch of the canal was given the name Bang Luang - Bang means 'area', while Luang refers to the monarchy (and government).Finally, the only way to get this house is by walking.  So, Head for Soi 3 on Charansanitwong Road. Park your vehicle in an appropriate spot in Soi 3 before reaching the end, as you'll see a small bridge that is for pedestrians and motorcycles only. Cross the bridge and turn left. You will need to follow a small path that runs alongside the canal for about 100 meters.
Baan Silapin is located at the end of this path and opens daily from 9 am until 6 pm and admission is free.