The effects of the western entertainment and the changes in the general tastes all over the world has made little impact on the traditional performing arts of Thailand, though they are not so vibrant as they were a few decades ago. The Thai dance drama has not yet become extinct and has survived till the modern age as an elegant form of art that has refined itself through the centuries.

The Thai dances were greatly influenced by the dancers of Angkor Vat which was annexed by Thailand in the year 1431. Since then, the dancers have been seen as a symbolic link between God, Nature and Earth.

Besides the regional and folk dances such as the Indian influenced famous Manhohra dance of Southern Thailand, there are two other major forms of classical Thai dance drama, which are known as the Khon and the Lakon Nai.

The Khon is the highest form of classical dance drama of Thailand. The performance is enacted by the dancers all of whom are dressed in a multi colored hue, handmade costumes and splendid golden headdresses and masks. The dance drama is based upon the Ramakien, which is a national story derived from the famous Indian epic, Ramayana.

Lakhon is the next highest form of classical dance and is usually performed by female dancers. The dance drama is based on folk stories and also the Jataka tales of India, which encompasses the story of the previous births of Lord Buddha.

The classical dances of Thailand still retain the original grandeur as they are strict in tradition and unchanging. There are about 108 basic movements of the body which the dancers should perform, by keeping their upper body in an upright position. The knees can be bent and stretched in synchronization with the music. The movement of the fingers and the hands are alluring and complex. The gorgeous costume which dazzles under the spotlights (and draws up mental images of merchants trying to seduce these wonderful women and sell gold to adorn themselves) along with the movements by the dancers truly makes the performance a wonderful experience.