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{{Short description|Nighttime Thai cultural theme complex in Phuket, Thailand}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=January 2024}}
{{Infobox stage production
|italic title=no
| name           = Siam Niramit Phuket
| image          = Siam Niramit logo.png
| image_size     =
| alt            =
| caption        = Siam Niramit Phuket logo
| genre          = [[Variety show]] and [[Thai history]]
| type           = Resident
| premiere       = {{start date|2011|12}}
| finalshow      =
| location       = 55/81 Moo 5 Chalermprakiat Road, Rassada, Mueang, Phuket, Thailand
| coordinates    = {{coord|7|55|53|N|198|22|37|E}}
| creatortitle1  = Director
| creatorname1   = Dangkamon Na-Pombejra
| creatortitle2  = Producer
| creatorname2   = Amphol Suthiphein
| creatortitle3  = Producer and technical director
| creatorname3   = Krissara Warissaraphuricha
| creatortitle4  = Music composer
| creatorname4   = Kaiwan Kulavadhanothai
| creatortitle5  = Costume and set designer
| creatorname5   = Chatvichai Promadhattavedi
| otherdata1     = Pannin Kittiparaporn
| otherlabel1    = Chief executive officer

| website        = https://www.siamniramitphuket.com/
}}
'''Siam Niramit''' ({{langx|th|สยามนิรมิต}}) is a nighttime Thai cultural theme complex in [[Phuket]], Thailand. The [[Bangkok]] branch closed in 2021.

After five years of preparation, the company Ratchada Niramit opened Siam Niramit in Bangkok in 2005. It took [[Thai baht|฿]]1.5{{nbsp}}billion (US$43.9{{nbsp}}million) to build on a {{convert|24|rai|m2 ft2|adj=on|lk=in}} plot of land and had a 2,000-seat theater. The company opened a second location in Phuket in 2011 after two years of construction. It cost ฿2{{nbsp}}billion (US$58.6{{nbsp}}million) to build on a {{convert|57|rai|m2 ft2|adj=on}} plot of land and had a 1,740-seat theater. Ratchada Niramit used the Bangkok branch to host [[MICE tourism]] (meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions tourism) including the [[9th IIFA Awards]] in 2008, the [[Suphannahong National Film Awards]] in 2012, [[Miss Tourism International]] 2012, and the [[19th IIFA Awards]] in 2018.

The complex featured traditional Thai villages from the country's [[regions of Thailand|four regions]]. The company transported wood dwellings and plants from the various regions to the complex. Visitors could try food from the four villages, take a boat excursion, give food to elephants, watch musical performances, view silk weaving and [[basket weaving]], and experience a [[Thai massage]]. The venue put on the show ''Journey to the Enchanted Kingdom of Siam''. It has three acts: "Journey Back to History" tells the tale of [[Kingdom of Lanna]] and covers Khmer history; "Journey Beyond Imagination" discusses hell, mythical beings, and heaven; and "Journey Through Joyous Festivals" showcases numerous [[merit (Buddhism)|merit]]-making Thai festivals. The Bangkok theater had a {{convert|12|m|ft|adj=on}} [[proscenium arch]], making it the tallest in the world, and for which it received an entry in ''[[Guinness World Records]]''.

The show received mostly positive reviews. Commentators said that while the show was touristy and not a purely authentic cultural show, it was inspired by Thai culture and history and was aesthetically and technically captivating. ''[[The Straits Times]]'' theater critic Ong Sor Fern found the show to be [[kitsch]] but said that "tourist trap cultural performances" like Siam Niramit were gateways to "purer" art forms, inspiring audience members like her to try to find Thai shows that are more authentic.<ref name="Ong2010-11-11">{{cite news |last=Ong |first=Sor Fern |date=2010-11-11 |title=One theatrical night in Bangkok - The lavish stage drama Siam Niramit shows that kitsch can teach us a few things about culture |url=https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/document-view?p=WORLDNEWS&docref=news/1336CD978A06B238&f=basic |newspaper=[[The Straits Times]] |accessdate=2024-01-08 |archiveurl=https://archive.today/20240108004846/https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/document-view?p=WORLDNEWS&docref=news/1336CD978A06B238&f=basic |archivedate=2024-01-08 }}</ref>

==History==
[[File:Siam Niramit Bangkok outside view (2014).jpg|thumb|Outside view of Siam Niramit Bangkok in 2014]]
Siam Niramit means "Magic Siam", "Magical Siam", or "The Glory of Siam" in [[Thai language|Thai]], and "Siam" is Thailand's historical name.{{efn|{{Bulleted list|For "Magic Siam"<ref name="Algie100">{{harvnb|Algie|2012|p=100}}</ref>|For "Magical Siam"<ref name="Williams2014">{{cite journal |last=Williams |first=John A. |date=Fall 2014 |title=Lighting Spectacles in East and Southeast Asia |journal=[[Asian Theatre Journal]] |volume=31 |issue=2 |pages=603–604 |doi=10.1353/atj.2014.0048 |jstor=43187443 |s2cid=161184359 |id={{ProQuest|1562002623}} }}</ref>|For "The Glory of Siam"<ref name="Iyengar2008-05-15">{{cite news |last1=Iyengar |first1=Kishore |last2=Iyengar |first2=Smita |date=2008-05-15 |title=Hospitality and Thailand go hand in hand |url=https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/document-view?p=WORLDNEWS&docref=news/15645EF7A5177BC0&f=basic |newspaper=[[The Times of India]] |accessdate=2024-01-08 |archiveurl=https://archive.today/20240108004907/https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/document-view?p=WORLDNEWS&docref=news/15645EF7A5177BC0&f=basic |archivedate=2024-01-08 }}</ref>|For "Siam" being Thailand's historical name<ref name="Hindu2007-12-22">{{cite news |date=2007-12-22 |title=It's destination Thailand for an exotic wedding |newspaper=[[The Hindu]] |id={{Factiva|THINDU0020071221e3cm00091}} }}</ref>}}}} The Kittiparaporn family, which had for nearly two decades ran the amusement parks [[Dan Neramit]] and [[Dream World (Thailand)|Dream World]], created and ran Siam Niramit.<ref name="Nation2011-09-23">{{cite news |date=2011-09-23 |title=Entertainment-venue firms expand as audiences return |url=https://www.nationthailand.com/business/30166011 |newspaper=[[The Nation (Thailand)|The Nation]] |id={{ProQuest|894052854}} |accessdate=2024-01-08 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20240108005044/https://www.nationthailand.com/business/30166011 |archivedate=2024-01-08 }}</ref> The company Ratchada Niramit spent [[Thai baht|฿]]1.5{{nbsp}}billion (US$43.9{{nbsp}}million) to construct the Grand Ratchada Theatre, Siam Niramit Bangkok's theater, on a {{convert|24|rai|m2 ft2|adj=on|lk=in}} plot of land in [[Huai Khwang district|Huai Khwang]], [[Bangkok]], on {{ill|Thiam Ruam Mit Road|th|แยกเทียมร่วมมิตร}} across from the [[Thailand Cultural Centre]].<ref name="Thansettakij2021-09-09">{{cite news |date=2021-09-09 |title=ไปต่อไม่ไหว"สยามนิรมิต กรุงเทพ"ประกาศเลิกกิจการเซ่นโควิด |trans-title=Unable to continue, "Siam Niramit Bangkok" announces closure of business in response to COVID |language=th |url=https://www.thansettakij.com/business/495299 |newspaper={{ill|Thansettakij|th|ฐานเศรษฐกิจ}} |accessdate=2024-01-08 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20240108004934/https://www.thansettakij.com/business/495299 |archivedate=2024-01-08 }}</ref><ref name="Mahasarinand2007">{{cite book |last=Mahasarinand |first=Pawit |editor-last=Leiter |editor-first=Samuel L. |date=2007 |title=Encyclopedia of Asian theatre |url=https://archive.org/details/encyclopediaofas0002unse_v5w1/page/657/ |location=Westport, Connecticut |publisher=[[Greenwood Press]] |via=[[Internet Archive]] |page=657 |isbn=978-0-313-33529-7 |accessdate=2024-01-08 }}</ref><ref name="Hong2015">{{cite book |date=2015 |script-chapter=zh:暹羅夢幻劇場 |trans-chapter=Siam Niramit |chapter-url=https://books.google.com/books?id=JpBRCwAAQBAJ&pg=PA130 |title=搭地鐵玩曼谷【最新版】2016: 十五精選地鐵站，樂玩二四○景點 |trans-title=Take the subway to explore Bangkok [latest version] 2016: 15 selected subway stations, enjoy 240 attractions |language=zh |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=JpBRCwAAQBAJ&pg=PA130 |location=New Taipei City |publisher=Hong Shuo Cultural Enterprises 宏碩文化事業股份有限公司 |via=[[Google Books]] |page=130 |isbn=978-986-349-098-2 |accessdate=2024-01-08 }}</ref> The theater was on property leased from the [[private sector]].<ref name="Thansettakij2021-09-09"/> The artistic group spent five years to design the cultural show and build the theater that housed the show.<ref name="Bangkok2005-10-28">{{cite news |date=2005-10-28 |title=Feast for the eyes; Unique state-of-the-art theatre showcases Thailand's rich cultural heritage |newspaper=[[Bangkok Post]] |id={{Factiva|BKPOST0020051028e1as00013}} }}</ref> The company originally planned to open the theater in May 2005.<ref name="Srimalee2005-03-30">{{cite news |last=Srimalee |first=Somluck |date=2005-03-30 |title=Ratchada has: high hopes for new show, 'Siam Niramit'. Bt1.5-billion theatre to open doors in May |newspaper=[[The Nation (Thailand)|The Nation]] |id={{Factiva|THENAT0020050330e13u00009}} }}</ref> John A. Williams, a [[lighting designer]] and professor at the [[Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts]], said the show's opening experienced a few months of delay owing to severe problems with lighting. Wikran "Nit" Maneesri, who had previously been his student, recruited him to fix the lighting, which he said was owing to the light rig's arrangement matching a [[rock concert]] and not a theater show. The duo worked together to fix the lighting to illuminate most of the stage.<ref name="Williams2014"/>

Siam Niramit Bangkok began doing shows on 27 October 2005.<ref name="Nation2021-09-11">{{cite news |date=2021-09-11 |title=Siam Niramit ceases Bangkok operations |url=https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40006005 |newspaper=[[The Nation (Thailand)|The Nation]] |accessdate=2024-01-08 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20240108004940/https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40006005 |archivedate=2024-01-08 }}</ref> The show's gala premiere was attended by statesman [[Prem Tinsulanonda]] and other celebrities who dressed in traditional Thai attire for the evening.<ref name="Bangkok2005-11-05">{{cite news |date=2005-11-05 |title=Theatre / Gala Premiere; Theatrical fantasy launched |newspaper=[[Bangkok Post]] |id={{Factiva|BKPOST0020051105e1b500011}} }}</ref> Dangkamon Na-Pombejra was the director; Amphol Suthiphein was a producer; Krissara Warissaraphuricha was co-producer and technical director; Kaiwan Kulavadhanothai was the music composer; and Chatvichai Promadhattavedi created the costumes and the sets.<ref name="Bangkok2005-10-28"/><ref name="Mahasarinand2012-08-16">{{cite news |last=Mahasarinand |first=Pawit |date=2012-08-16 |title=This Anna Is Allowed |url=https://www.nationthailand.com/lifestyle/30188461 |newspaper=[[The Nation (Thailand)|The Nation]] |id={{ProQuest|1033777395}} |accessdate=2024-01-08 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20240108004958/https://www.nationthailand.com/lifestyle/30188461 |archivedate=2024-01-08 }}</ref><ref name="Fontaine66">{{harvnb|Fontaine|2008|p=66}}</ref> On the business side, Pannin Kittiparaporn ({{lang|th|พัณณิน กิตติพราภรณ์}}) served as the chief executive and Suriya Songsomboon as general manager.<ref name="Chance2006-11-25">{{cite news |last=Chance |first=Katy |date=2006-11-25 |title=A few fun-filled nights in Bangkok |url=https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/document-view?p=WORLDNEWS&docref=news/132D6EF60574E960&f=basic |newspaper=[[Business Day (South Africa)|Business Day]] |accessdate=2024-01-08 |archiveurl=https://archive.today/20240108005020/https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/document-view?p=WORLDNEWS&docref=news/132D6EF60574E960&f=basic |archivedate=2024-01-08 }}</ref><ref name="Kittiparaporn2021-09-15">{{cite news |last=กิตติพราภรณ์ |first=พัณณิน Pannin Kittiparaporn |date=2021-09-15 |title=เปิดใจ "พัณณิน กิตติพราภรณ์" ตัดสินใจเลิกกิจการ "สยามนิรมิต กรุงเทพ" |trans-title=Opening up about "Pannin Kittiparaporn" deciding to liquidate the business "Siam Niramit Bangkok" |language=th |url=https://www.thansettakij.com/business/495983 |newspaper={{ill|Thansettakij|th|ฐานเศรษฐกิจ}} |accessdate=2024-01-08 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20240108005030/https://www.thansettakij.com/business/495983 |archivedate=2024-01-08 }}</ref> A Taiwanese book about Bangkok said Siam Niramit was similar to the cultural theme park [[Phuket FantaSea]].<ref name="Hong2015"/> Aiming to have 730,000 annual visitors, the company planned to spend ฿40{{nbsp}}million (US$1.2{{nbsp}}million) on marketing in 2005 and visited travel expos in [[ASEAN]] countries, Britain, Dubai, Germany, Hong Kong, Japan, Moscow, Taiwan, and the United States to promote the show.<ref name="Srimalee2005-03-30"/> Ratchada Niramit signed a three-year contract with [[ThaiBev]], which owns the [[Chang (beer)|Chang]] brand, in 2005 for the beverage company to sponsor Siam Niramit at an annual cost of ฿20{{nbsp}}million (US$580,000).<ref name="Manager2005-08-31">{{cite news |date=2005-08-31 |title=สยามนิรมิตหาเมนสปอนเซอร์ "ช้าง"ประเดิมจ่าย60ล.นาน3ปี |trans-title=Siam Niramit is looking for a main sponsor. ThaiBev initially pays 60 million baht for 3 years |language=th |url=https://mgronline.com/business/detail/9480000117821 |newspaper=[[Manager Daily]] |accessdate=2024-01-08 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20240108005052/https://mgronline.com/business/detail/9480000117821 |archivedate=2024-01-08 }}</ref> Only Chang beverages like water and beer would be sold in the theater.<ref name="Rungfapaisarn2005-09-01">{{cite news |last=Rungfapaisarn |first=Kwanchai |date=2005-09-01 |title=Ratchada Grand Theatre expected to raise bar for cultural stage shows |newspaper=[[The Nation (Thailand)|The Nation]] |id={{Factiva|THENAT0020050831e1910000k}} }}</ref>

Siam Niramit had 800 daily visitors and 270,000 attendees in 2007, and 60% came from outside the country.<ref name="Theparat2007-03-30">{{cite news |last=Theparat |first=Chatrudee |date=2007-03-30 |title=Siam Niramit makes strong push to host more conferences |newspaper=[[Bangkok Post]] |id={{EBSCOhost|2W61333463589}} }}</ref><ref name="Chinmaneevong2009-12-21">{{cite news |last=Chinmaneevong |first=Chadamas |date=2009-12-21 |title=Show producer Siam Niramit foresees another year of losses |newspaper=[[Bangkok Post]] |id={{EBSCOhost|2W62828110212}} }}</ref> The number of daily visitors dropped to 500 to 600 in 2009, representing a 30% occupancy rate. The two causes were a weak global economy and a [[price war]] with competitor [[tourist attraction]]s that catered to Chinese tourists, who were their largest clientele. That year, Chinese tourists comprised 45% of their clientele, Europeans comprised 35%, and other countries made up the remaining balance.<ref name="Chinmaneevong2009-12-21"/> According to Wallapa Phokawat, Ratchada Niramit's assistant managing director, 90% of their customers in 2011 were foreign tourists. She said political strife and economic challenges had caused the 2,000-seat theater to have for each show between 300 and 400 audience members over the last three years but that by October and November 2010, the number of viewers grew to between 800 and 1,000 owing to a better economic and political environment.<ref name="Nation2011-09-23"/>

Ratchada Niramit spent about 2{{nbsp}}billion (US$58.6{{nbsp}}million) to construct the Siam Niramit Phuket theater on a {{convert|57|rai|m2 ft2|adj=on}} plot of land that the company owned.<ref name="Thansettakij2021-09-09"/> The company purchased the land for the venture, which took two years to complete.<ref name="Bangkok2012-01-30">{{cite news |date=2012-01-30 |title=Siam Niramit opens in Phuket |url=https://www.bangkokpost.com/life/arts-and-entertainment/277430/siam-niramit-opens-in-phuket |newspaper=[[Bangkok Post]] |accessdate=2024-01-08 |archiveurl=https://archive.today/20240108010212/https://www.bangkokpost.com/life/arts-and-entertainment/277430/siam-niramit-opens-in-phuket |archivedate=2024-01-08 }}</ref> Located in the Ko Kaeo subdistrict of the [[Mueang Phuket district]], the property opened in December 2011.<ref name="Thansettakij2021-09-09"/><ref name="Kittiparaporn2021-09-15"/> The theater sits on Tiamruammit Road, which connects the city of Phuket with [[Phuket International Airport]].<ref name="Nation2011-09-23"/>

Owing to the [[COVID-19 pandemic]], Siam Niramit paused doing performances on 17 March 2020.<ref name="Thansettakij2021-09-09"/> The company initially retained all of its employees but as the pandemic situation did not improve, they laid off nearly all except those who managed the building and physical assets.<ref name="Chuenniran2023-01-03">{{cite news |last=Chuenniran |first=Achadthaya |date=2023-01-03 |title=Phuket tourism on road to recovery |url=https://www.bangkokpost.com/business/general/2473942/phuket-tourism-on-road-to-recovery |newspaper=[[Bangkok Post]] |accessdate=2024-01-08 |archiveurl=https://archive.today/20240108010130/https://www.bangkokpost.com/business/general/2473942/phuket-tourism-on-road-to-recovery |archivedate=2024-01-08 }}</ref> Employees were given 30% of their regular wage to [[remote work|work remotely]].<ref name="Thansettakij2021-09-09"/> According to the company's CEO Pannin Kittiparaporn, the Bangkok theater had 600,000–700,000 annual visitors prior to COVID-19.<ref name="Kittiparaporn2021-09-15"/> Siam Niramit Bangkok told over 200 employees that the business would shut down on 10 September 2021.<ref name="Thansettakij2021-09-09"/><ref name="Nation2021-12-25">{{cite news |date=2021-12-25 |title=Seven establishments closed amid Covid-19 crisis |url=https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40010429 |newspaper=[[The Nation (Thailand)|The Nation]] |accessdate=2024-01-08 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20240108010507/https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40010429 |archivedate=2024-01-08 }}</ref> The rationale was that with a large number of the theater's customers from China, in the midst of the pandemic, the economy needed three years to recover. With seven years left on the lease, there would be insufficient time for the [[return of capital]]. The company transferred some of its Bangkok theater assets to its Phuket theater.<ref name="Thansettakij2021-09-09"/> Siam Niramit Phuket reopened on 20 October 2022.<ref name="Chuenniran2023-01-03"/><ref name="Winaisathien2022-10-18">{{cite news |last=Winaisathien |first=Thanawan ธนวรรณ วินัยเสถียร |date=2022-10-18 |title="สยามนิรมิตภูเก็ต" กลับมาเปิดบริการอีกครั้ง 20 ต.ค.นี้ |trans-title="Siam Niramit Phuket" is back open for service on 20 October |language=th |url=https://www.thansettakij.com/business/tourism/544233 |newspaper={{ill|Thansettakij|th|ฐานเศรษฐกิจ}} |accessdate=2024-01-08 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20240108010311/https://www.thansettakij.com/business/tourism/544233 |archivedate=2024-01-08 }}</ref> After the pandemic began, the company renovated its complex and revamped the show.<ref name="Chuenniran2023-01-03"/> The show's occupancy rate reached between 30% and 40% by January 2023.<ref name="Chuenniran2023-01-03"/>

==Synopsis==
Named ''Journey to the Enchanted Kingdom of Siam'', the cultural show is split into three acts and goes over around 700 years of Thai history.<ref name="Bangkok2012-01-14">{{cite news |date=2012-01-14 |title=Creating a world of wonder |url=https://www.bangkokpost.com/life/social-and-lifestyle/275088 |newspaper=[[Bangkok Post]] |accessdate=2024-01-08 |archiveurl=https://archive.today/20240108010300/https://www.bangkokpost.com/life/social-and-lifestyle/275088 |archivedate=2024-01-08 }}</ref><ref name="Star2007-01-06">{{cite news |date=2007-01-06 |title=Siam Niramit: Journey to the Enchanted Kingdom of Siam |url=https://www.philstar.com/cebu-lifestyle/2007/01/06/378594/siam-niramit-journey-enchanted-kingdom-siam |newspaper=[[The Philippine Star]] |accessdate=2024-01-08 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20240108010504/https://www.philstar.com/cebu-lifestyle/2007/01/06/378594/siam-niramit-journey-enchanted-kingdom-siam |archivedate=2024-01-08 }}</ref><ref name="Ricardo2008-03-20">{{cite news |last=Ricardo |first=Althea Lauren |date=2008-03-20 |title=Seven centuries of Thailand in one magical night |url=https://www.philstar.com/cebu-entertainment/2008/03/20/51222/seven-centuries-thailand-one-magical-night |newspaper=[[The Philippine Star]] |accessdate=2024-01-08 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20240108010335/https://www.philstar.com/cebu-entertainment/2008/03/20/51222/seven-centuries-thailand-one-magical-night |archivedate=2024-01-08 }}</ref> Split into four scenes, the first act is titled "Journey Back to History: The Ancient Kingdom of Lanna".<ref name="Star2007-01-06"/> Titled "Faith... The Ancient Kingdom of Lanna", the first scene is set in the [[Kingdom of Lanna]] in [[Northern Thailand]].<ref name="Star2007-01-06"/><ref name="IEEE2013-12-10">{{cite web |date=2013-12-10 |title=Conference Banquet: 2013 IEEE International Conference on Industrial Engineering and Engineering Management |url=http://ieem2019.org/archive/IEEM%202013%20Program%20Book.pdf |publisher=IEEE International Conference on Industrial Engineering and Engineering |page=10 |accessdate=2024-01-08 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20240108010339/http://ieem2019.org/archive/IEEM%202013%20Program%20Book.pdf |archivedate=2024-01-08 }}</ref> Visiting a temple, the king and queen of Lanna pay their respects to [[the Buddha]]'s relics. The [[maid of honor|maids of honor]] who attend to the queen tote magnificent lanterns. As sentries engage in [[swordsmanship]], the maids of honor dance.<ref name="Star2007-01-06"/> The second scene is titled "The South Sea... Traders from Overseas" and is set between the [[Srivijaya]] kingdom and the [[Nakhon Si Thammarat Kingdom]].<ref name="Star2007-01-06"/><ref name="IEEE2013-12-10"/> It depicts the Thai inhabitants having fun by dancing and singing, demonstrating that the Muslim and Buddhist Thai practices fuse together well. Enticed by the fruits of the land, Chinese sailor traders visit for engaging in commerce.<ref name="Star2007-01-06"/> A Chinese sailor has a romantic relationship with a woman from a Thai village.<ref name="Ong2010-11-11"/> The third scene is titled "Isaan... Heritage of the Khmer Civilization".<ref name="Star2007-01-06"/><ref name="IEEE2013-12-10"/> It depicts [[Isaan]] inhabitants going outside the [[Wat Phra That Phanom]] Buddhist temple to celebrate the Boon Paweht festival and to accrue [[merit (Buddhism)|merit]].<ref name="Bangkok2005-10-28"/><ref name="Star2007-01-06"/> Unexpectedly, they see the Khmer castle [[Phanom Rung Historical Park|Prasat Hin Phanom Rung]] made of stone pop up, while chiseled angels made of stone ([[apsara]]s) marvelously awaken.<ref name="Bangkok2005-10-28"/><ref name="Ricardo2008-03-20"/> Titled "The Mighty Capital... Ayutthaya", the fourth scene is set in the historic capital of [[Ayutthaya Kingdom|Ayutthaya]].<ref name="Star2007-01-06"/><ref name="IEEE2013-12-10"/> A man takes a dip in a [[body of water]] on a part of the stage that had previously been a firm floor. Women sailing on rafts hawk flowers.<ref name="Ricardo2008-03-20"/> The scene depicts peasants who reside in [[Central Thailand|Central Plains]] [[canal]]s, taking advantage of the arable terrain to seed and reap rice. The uncomplicated way of how peasants live is diametrically different from the opulent lifestyle of palace residents. In the show, the prosperity is demonstrated through a royal [[barge]] parade. Cultivating a powerful military, Ayutthaya welcomes ambassadors from [[Western world|the West]] to establish connections with those countries.<ref name="Star2007-01-06"/> A downpour of rain from the ceiling causes a [[paddy field]]'s crops to rise.<ref name="Valisno2008-10-24">{{cite news |last=Valisno |first=Jeffrey O. |date=2008-10-24 |title=Weekender: travel Best in show: Siam Niramit |newspaper=[[BusinessWorld]] |id={{Factiva|BSWRLD0020081024e4ao0000g}} }}</ref>

Split into three scenes, the second act is titled "Journey Beyond Imagination: The Three Realms".<ref name="Star2007-01-06"/> Titled "Fiery Hell", the first scene starts with an entirely dark stage, using light and shadow to represent a quickly shimmering fire that transports the audience down to hell.<ref name="Star2007-01-06"/><ref name="Valisno2008-10-24"/> It features the King of Hell, [[Yama|Prayom]], and souls he presides over.<ref name="Valisno2008-10-24"/> Viewers feel the room getting hotter when the staff shut off the air conditioning just as the souls are cursed to be tormented by Prayom in line with their human-performed misdeeds.<ref name="Star2007-01-06"/><ref name="Valisno2008-10-24"/> Set in the [[Himmapan]] forest, the second scene is titled "Mystical Himapaan".<ref name="Star2007-01-06"/> Himmapan is a middle-of-the-road place where people with few misdeeds but little merit are sent.<ref name="Valisno2008-10-24"/> Legendary plants and animals inhabit the forest, including the tree [[Nareepon]], which has gorgeous women as its fruit; [[Kinaree]], who is a human-bird hybrid; and [[Hamsa (bird)|Hongsa]], birds who are nimble and resemble swans. The third scene is titled "Blissful Heaven". [[Indra]], the strongest divine being, oversees heaven's second story, [[Tavatimsa|Daow-wa-dueng]]. To captivate the deities, [[Gandharva|Khontan]] performs angelic music. Some angels do a beautiful dance in the air.<ref name="Star2007-01-06"/>

The third act is titled "Journey Through Joyous Festivals". A tenet of Buddhism is that to ascend to [[Buddhist heaven|heaven]], people on Earth have to accrue [[merit (Buddhism)|merit]]. Thailand, as a result, has numerous festivals that allow people to accrue merit. The festivals are joyous and vibrant occasions that mix in Buddhist rites. The act features festivals including the water festival [[Song Kran]]; [[Khao Phansa|Khao Pansaa]], which celebrates monks undergoing [[ordination]]; and [[Phi Ta Khon|Phi Dtaa Khon]], which has a procession of ghosts.<ref name="Star2007-01-06"/> The show's last scene is the festival [[Loy Krathong]], which features tiny boats ("krathongs") gliding through the lake on the stage after being set free by Thais and viewers chosen by the performers to walk to the stage to help. Filled with candles, flowers, [[incense stick]]s, and [[banana leaf|banana leaves]], the boats are a way to show their gratitude to Buddha and the Goddess of Water. It represents how worshippers are beginning anew by liberating themselves from any enmity.<ref name="Ricardo2008-03-20"/>

==Venue and show==
[[File:Siam Niramit Bangkok performers 2 (2014).jpg|thumb|Siam Niramit Bangkok performers]]
Siam Niramit Bangkok was a cultural theme complex featuring a theater, three dining venues, and imitation villages.<ref name="Bangkok2005-10-28"/> The complex opened to visitors in the early evening.<ref name="Reshii2012-02-10">{{cite news |last=Reshii |first=Marryam H. |date=2012-02-10 |title=9 to-dos in Bangkok |url=https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/document-view?p=WORLDNEWS&docref=news/13CD2CDD98F20838&f=basic|newspaper=[[Business Line]] |id={{ProQuest|1322169609}} |accessdate=2024-01-08 |archiveurl=https://archive.today/20240108010342/https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/document-view?p=WORLDNEWS&docref=news/13CD2CDD98F20838&f=basic |archivedate=2024-01-08 }}</ref> The theater had a [[variety show]] with a run time slightly exceeding an hour and was performed in a theater with 2,000 seats.<ref name="Rodriguez2011-06-17">Rodriguez, Albert (2011-06-17). "Thailand: Land of Exotic Surprises" (pages [https://web.archive.org/web/20240108010523/https://www.newspapers.com/article/seattle-gay-news/138271831/ 1] and [https://web.archive.org/web/20240108010654/https://www.newspapers.com/article/seattle-gay-news/138271927/ 2]). ''[[Seattle Gay News]]''. Archived from the original (pages [https://www.newspapers.com/article/seattle-gay-news/138271831/ 1] and [https://www.newspapers.com/article/seattle-gay-news/138271927/ 2]) on 2024-01-08. Retrieved 2024-01-08 – via [[Newspapers.com]]</ref> The theater had a [[moat]] and a {{convert|65 x 40|m|ft|round=each}} panoramic stage that was Thailand's biggest.<ref name="Rodriguez2011-06-17"/><ref name="Star2007-01-06"/> Over half of the theater was filled by the stage, which had a height matching a building with four floors.<ref name="Bangkok2005-10-28"/> It has a {{convert|12|m|ft|adj=on}} [[proscenium arch]], making it the tallest in the world, and for which it received an entry in ''[[Guinness World Records]]''.<ref name="Star2007-01-06"/><ref name="Ricardo2008-03-20"/> The show has 100 sets, which took ฿20{{nbsp}}million (US$580,000) to build, and 117 rails from which the sets are suspended.<ref name="Bangkok2005-10-28"/> A number of the sets were used on the show for half a minute.<ref name="Bangkok2005-10-28"/> Sets for several scenes that have a several-second viewing had a price tag of ฿20{{nbsp}}million (US$580,000).<ref name="Sangkaew2005-04-07">{{cite news |last=Sangkaew |first=Narathip |date=2005-04-07 |title=New Attraction / Rachada Grand; Theatre set for debut |newspaper=[[Bangkok Post]] |id={{Factiva|BKPOST0020050407e14700013}} }}</ref> The show acquired a "spiral lift" that cost ฿30{{nbsp}}million (US$870,000) and in less than a half a minute could lift a {{convert|7|m|ft|adj=on}} set with a maximum weight of {{convert|17550|kg|lb}}.<ref name="Bangkok2005-10-28"/>

In the show's sections that illustrate heaven and fabled terrain, aerialists use wires to glide through the air.<ref name="Ong2010-11-11"/> Numerous animals appear on the stage: chickens, goats, and two elephants.<ref name="Ong2010-11-11"/> The show featured angels, thunder and lightning, and rain.<ref name="Thansettakij2021-09-09"/><ref name="Ramsey2007-02-06">{{cite news |last=Ramsey |first=Heather |date=2007-02-06 |title=Bangkok nights; Night-time activities to keep you enthralled _ massages, too; Thai-style pampering is gentler than expected |newspaper=[[Taranaki Daily News]] |id={{ProQuest|315226135}} }}</ref> The forestage is transformed into a [[body of water]] that had a length exceeding {{convert|50|m|ft}}.<ref name="Ong2010-11-11"/><ref name="Williams2014"/> Fountains burst on the river and rafts float through it.<ref name="Ong2010-11-11"/> Siam Niramit Bangkok had 150 [[stagehand]]s as well as 150 performers, who put on 500 costumes during the show.<ref name="Bangkok2005-10-28"/> Paintings from Thailand's different eras inspired the costumes' design.<ref name="Lipschitz2007-06-14">{{cite news |last=Lipschitz |first=Linda |date=2007-06-14 |title=Far East for families: Thinking of taking the kids to Thailand? We've got a mess of ideas for you. |url=https://www.jpost.com/magazine/features/far-east-for-families |newspaper=[[The Jerusalem Post]] |id={{ProQuest|319629734}} |accessdate=2024-01-08 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20240108010716/https://www.jpost.com/magazine/features/far-east-for-families |archivedate=2024-01-08 }}</ref> Several scenes underwent 20 rounds of editing.<ref name="Kittiparaporn2021-09-15"/> Using dance and music, the show portrays Thailand's history.<ref name="Rodriguez2011-06-17"/> The company's CEO Pannin Kittiparaporn said the goal of the show is to exhibit the [[culture of Thailand]] to foreign tourists.<ref name="Kittiparaporn2021-09-15"/> The show contains scant talking. Succinct flashcards supply background about what is happening on stage. The flashcards' text is in five languages, and there is a [[voice-over]] in English.<ref name="Ong2010-11-11"/> Audience members are disallowed from photographing or recording the show.<ref name="Rodriguez2011-06-17"/>

Called Thai Village, the imitation village in Bangkok in addition to [[rowboat]]s and [[waterway]]s had performers acting as villagers who produced traditional food and crafts and "meandering paths through tropical foliage".<ref name="Chance2006-11-25"/><ref name="Noosa2009-11-27">{{cite news |date=2009-11-27 |title=The calm amid a bustling city |url=https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/document-view?p=WORLDNEWS&docref=news/12C38DA9F7D80D10&f=basic |newspaper=Noosa News |accessdate=2024-01-08 |archiveurl=https://archive.today/20240108010651/https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/document-view?p=WORLDNEWS&docref=news/12C38DA9F7D80D10&f=basic |archivedate=2024-01-08 }}</ref> The villages allow people to try food from the four villages representing [[regions of Thailand|the four regions of Thailand]], take a boat excursion, give food to elephants, watch musical performances, view silk weaving and [[basket weaving]], and experience a [[Thai massage]].<ref name="Reshii2012-02-10"/><ref name="Lipschitz2007-06-14"/><ref name="K2009-02-21">{{cite news |last=K. |first=Anusha |date=2009-02-21 |title=To Bangkok and beyond |url=https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/document-view?p=WORLDNEWS&docref=news/126937C6DD3CD148&f=basic |newspaper=[[New Straits Times]] |id={{ProQuest|272226278}} |accessdate=2024-01-08 |archiveurl=https://archive.today/20240108010713/https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/document-view?p=WORLDNEWS&docref=news/126937C6DD3CD148&f=basic |archivedate=2024-01-08 }}</ref> The company moved wood dwellings and plants from Thailand's various regions to the complex.<ref name="Reshii2012-02-10"/><ref name="Siribhakdi2007-06-14">{{cite news |last=Siribhakdi |first=Kloykamol |date=2007-06-14 |title=Exhibition / 'Rice, and the Life of the Rice Farmer'; The Story of Rice - From Paddy to Table |newspaper=[[Bangkok Post]] |id={{Factiva|BKPOST0020070614e36e0001a}} }}</ref> The village featured two elephants in 2008.<ref name="Ricardo2008-03-20"/><ref name="Leicester2010">{{cite book |last=Leicester |first=John |date=2010 |title=Thailand: The Business Travelers' Handbook |url=https://archive.org/details/thailandbusiness0000leic/page/228/ |location=Northampton, Massachusetts |publisher=[[Interlink Publishing]] |via=[[Internet Archive]] |page=228 |isbn=978-1-56656-749-7 |accessdate=2024-01-08 }}</ref> The venue had an exhibition called "Rice, and the Life of the Rice Farmer" in 2007 in commemoration of the [[Royal Ploughing Ceremony]] with the dual purposes of teaching participants about rice and eliciting empathy for people who work to produce rice. Participants watched as Siam Niramit employees who had prior rice farm expertise worked on making rice through doing tasks like husk partitioning. They were given samples of [[rice cracker]]s and [[glutinous rice]] and watched how rice could be made in various ways. The King of Thailand displayed his respect for rice in the "Rice with the King" segment.<ref name="Siribhakdi2007-06-14"/> ''Noosa News'' praised the setup, stating, "Even though it is a mock village in the middle of one of the busiest cities in the world, it has no trace of Disney about it. It has been created true to village style; it feels real and gives a serene picture of the traditional lifestyles and arts and crafts in a bygone era of the four regions of the Kingdom."<ref name="Noosa2009-11-27"/>

The property had a 300-seat parking facility and an international cuisine-focused buffet restaurant.<ref name="Thansettakij2021-09-09"/> Named Siam Sawasdee 2, the buffet had 900 seats.<ref name="Valisno2008-10-24"/> The [[Footprint Travel Guides]] called the buffet, which is an add-on, "probably not worth it".<ref name="Murphy2012">{{cite book |editor-last=Murphy |editor-first=Alan |date=2012 |title=Thailand Handbook |url=https://archive.org/details/thailandhandbook0000unse/page/445/ |location=Bath |publisher=[[Footprint Travel Guides]] |page=445 |isbn=978-1-907263-53-8 |accessdate=2024-01-08 }}</ref> Anusha K. of the ''[[New Straits Times]]'' had a positive opinion, writing, "The scrumptious Thai-Western buffet is a must-try if you love hawker food."<ref name="K2009-02-21"/>

[[File:Siam Niramit Bangkok elephant 1 (2014).jpg|thumb|An elephant in Siam Niramit Bangkok]]
''[[The Thaiger]]''{{'}}s Tim Newton said the company did a strong job looking after the elephants, who appeared to be content with being part of the show.<ref name="Newton2018-06-10">{{cite news |last=Newton |first=Tim |date=2018-06-10 |title=Siam Niramit. Bringing Thailand's vibrant history to life. |url=https://thethaiger.com/travel/bringing-thailands-vibrant-history-life-spectacular-fashion |newspaper=[[The Thaiger]] |accessdate=2024-01-08 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20240108010745/https://thethaiger.com/travel/bringing-thailands-vibrant-history-life-spectacular-fashion |archivedate=2024-01-08 }}</ref> The scholars Jeffrey Dale Hobbs and Piengpen Na Pattalung said in 2020 that Siam Niramit's show agenda no longer mentioned that elephants would be part of the production. They found religion to be a theme. During the [[Kingdom of Lanna]] part of the show, elephants were at the foundation of a Buddhist [[stupa|chedi]], and [[Gajasiha|kochasri]], which are a lion-elephant hybrid, are shown in the [[Himmapan]] forest. The scholars said that the elephants are a core part of Thai culture as shown by how closely linked they are to religion.<ref name="Hobbs2021">{{cite book |last1=Hobbs |first1=Jeffrey Dale |last2=Pattalung |first2=Piengpen Na |editor1-last=Laws |editor1-first=Eric |editor2-last=Scott |editor2-first=Noel |editor3-last=Font |editor3-first=Xavier |editor4-last=Koldowski |editor4-first=John |date=2021 |chapter=A Case Study of Elephant Venue Narratives |chapter-url=https://books.google.com/books?id=XTELEAAAQBAJ&pg=PA179 |title=The Elephant Tourism Business |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=XTELEAAAQBAJ&pg=PA186 |location=Wallingford, Oxfordshire |publisher=[[CAB International]] |via=[[Google Books]] |page=186 |isbn=978-1-7892-4586-8 |accessdate=2024-01-08 }}</ref>

Modeled after the Bangkok show, the Phuket show has a 70-minute run time, features over 500 lavish classic costumes, contains 100 performers, and has 100 [[backdrop (theater)|backdrops]] that were manually illustrated.<ref name="Bangkok2012-01-30"/> The venue has a [[floating market]] and showcases models of century-old villages depicting long-established rural architecture from four regions of Thailand.<ref name="Nation2011-09-23"/><ref name="Winaisathien2022-10-18"/><ref name="Bangkok2012-01-30"/> The craftsmen's villages showcase the Thailand's [[handicraft]]s.<ref name="Frei2010">{{cite book |last=Frei |first=Robert |date=2010 |title=Exciting Thailand |url=https://archive.org/details/excitingthailand0001frei/page/162/ |location=Bangkok |publisher=[[Amarin Printing and Publishing]] |via=[[Internet Archive]] |page=162 |isbn=978-616-90564-0-9 |accessdate=2024-01-08 }}</ref> In the villages, customers can try traditional delicacies as well as purchase souvenirs.<ref name="Bangkok2012-01-30"/><ref name="Rodriguez2011-06-17"/> It has a theater with 1,740 seats and a stage that is {{convert|65 x 40 x 10|m|ft|round=each}}.<ref name="Bangkok2012-01-30"/> In the Naga courtyard, visitors can participate in Thai games. The venue has an international cuisine-focused buffet restaurant.<ref name="Winaisathien2022-10-18"/> While diners ate, elephants visited.<ref name="Nam2011">{{cite book |last=Nam |first=Suzanne |author-link=Suzanne Nam |date=2011 |title=Moon Handbooks: Bangkok |edition=5 |url=https://archive.org/details/moonhandbooksban0000nams/page/113/ |location=Berkeley, California |publisher=[[Avalon Travel]] |via=[[Internet Archive]] |pages=113–114 |isbn=978-1-59880-971-8 |issn=1078-5272 |accessdate=2024-01-08 }}</ref> At the end of the show, the dancers, acrobats, and elephants pose outside the theater for photos with the visitors.<ref name="Jimenez-David2007-11-25">{{cite news |last=Jimenez-David |first=Rina |date=2007-11-25 |title='Loy Krathong' in Thailand |url=https://archive.org/details/inquirergna.revise.003/20071125/page/n13/ |newspaper=[[Philippine Daily Inquirer]] |via=[[Internet Archive]] |accessdate=2024-01-08 }}</ref>

==Events==
[[File:Siam Niramit Bangkok model village 2 (2008).jpg|thumb|Siam Niramit Bangkok model village in 2008]]
Shortly after the opening of Siam Niramit, its owner and operator Ratchada Niramit focused on increasing the volume of [[MICE tourism]] (meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions tourism) to the entertainment complex. Conventions at Siam Niramit were held by roughly 100 companies in 2007, and the company intended to invest ฿20{{nbsp}}million (US$580,000) in 2008 on promoting the complex at around 10 [[trade shows]] held outside Thailand.<ref name="Theparat2007-03-30"/> Five former contestants on the reality television show ''[[Academy Fantasia]]'' performed during a three-hour [[benefit concert]] at the Siam Niramit Bangkok theater in 2012 to honor the [[disc jockey]] Lek Wongsawang.<ref name="Lersakvanitchakul2012-03-09">{{cite news |last=Lersakvanitchakul |first=Kitchana |date=2012-03-09 |title=He taught the songs |url=https://www.nationthailand.com/lifestyle/30177609 |newspaper=[[The Nation (Thailand)|The Nation]] |id={{ProQuest|929154782}} |accessdate=2024-01-08 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20240108012610/https://www.nationthailand.com/lifestyle/30177609 |archivedate=2024-01-08 }}</ref><ref name="Lersakvanitchakul2012-03-01">{{cite news |last=Lersakvanitchakul |first=Kitchana |date=2012-03-01 |title=A guitar that gently weeps |url=https://www.nationthailand.com/lifestyle/30177120 |newspaper=[[The Nation (Thailand)|The Nation]] |id={{ProQuest|929154857}} |accessdate=2024-01-08 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20240108011324/https://www.nationthailand.com/lifestyle/30177120 |archivedate=2024-01-08 }}</ref> The [[9th IIFA Awards]] in 2008 and the [[19th IIFA Awards]] in 2018 took place at the Siam Niramit Bangkok theater in 2018.<ref name="Pichitmarn2018-06-22">{{cite news |last=Pichitmarn |first=Parisa |date=2018-06-22 |title=Bollywood is coming to town |url=https://www.bangkokpost.com/life/social-and-lifestyle/1490090/bollywood-is-coming-to-town |newspaper=[[Bangkok Post]] |accessdate=2024-01-08 |archiveurl=https://archive.today/20240108011346/https://www.bangkokpost.com/life/social-and-lifestyle/1490090/bollywood-is-coming-to-town |archivedate=2024-01-08 }}</ref><ref name="Bhushan2008-04-22">{{cite news |last=Bhushan |first=Nyay |date=2008-04-22 |title=IIFA Awards head to Bangkok |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/business/business-news/iifa-awards-head-bangkok-110008/ |newspaper=[[The Hollywood Reporter]] |agency=[[Associated Press]] |accessdate=2024-01-08 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20240108011415/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/business/business-news/iifa-awards-head-bangkok-110008/ |archivedate=2024-01-08 }}</ref><ref name="Roy2018-07-01">{{cite news |last=Roy |first=Priyanka |date=2018-07-01 |title=The Big Bolly Show |url=https://www.telegraphindia.com/entertainment/the-big-bolly-show/cid/1432031 |newspaper=[[The Telegraph (India)|The Telegraph]] |accessdate=2024-01-08 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20240108011419/https://www.telegraphindia.com/entertainment/the-big-bolly-show/cid/1432031 |archivedate=2024-01-08 }}</ref> The [[Suphannahong National Film Awards]] was held at Siam Niramit Bangkok in 2008.<ref name="Pajee2008-02-02">{{cite news |last=Pajee |first=Parinyaporn |date=2008-02-02 |title=Will the envelope contain a love letter' |url=https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/document-view?p=WORLDNEWS&docref=news/11E956414DF2A9D8&f=basic |newspaper=[[The Nation (Thailand)|The Nation]] |accessdate=2024-01-08 |archiveurl=https://archive.today/20240108011413/https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/document-view?p=WORLDNEWS&docref=news/11E956414DF2A9D8&f=basic |archivedate=2024-01-08 }}</ref> The final for [[Miss Tourism International]] 2012 was held at Siam Niramit Bangkok.<ref name="Karnjanatawe2012-10-11">{{cite news |last=Karnjanatawe |first=Karnjana |date=2012-10-11 |title=Miss Tourism World focuses on Thailand |url=https://www.bangkokpost.com/life/travel/316454/miss-tourism-world-focuses-on-thailand |newspaper=[[Bangkok Post]] |accessdate=2024-01-08 |archiveurl=https://archive.today/20240108011427/https://www.bangkokpost.com/life/travel/316454/miss-tourism-world-focuses-on-thailand |archivedate=2024-01-08 }}</ref><ref name="Hirunard2012-12-21">{{cite news |last=Hirunard |first=Pattanapong |date=2012-12-21 |title=Photos of the week: From a diving Santa Claus to Miss Tourism World 2012, enjoy these interesting images from around the kingdom, captured by Post Photographers over the past seven days. |url=https://www.bangkokpost.com/photo/327359 |newspaper=[[Bangkok Post]] |accessdate=2024-01-08 |archiveurl=https://archive.today/20240108011439/https://www.bangkokpost.com/photo/327359 |archivedate=2024-01-08 }}</ref>

{{Clear}}

==Music and choreography==
[[File:Siam Niramit Bangkok performers 4 (2014).jpg|thumb|Siam Niramit musicians in 2014]]
''[[The Straits Times]]'' theater critic Ong Sor Fern said she thought of the [[wedding music]] [[gendang]] keling while melodies broadcast during the scene "The South Sea... Traders from Overseas". Contemporary people from [[Kedah]] and [[Perlis]], which is next to Thailand, play gendang keling during their weddings. Ong was impressed by the "breathtaking beauty" of a dancer who had "perfectly articulated fingers and flat-footed pose". She said the moves alluded to Indian dance movements. Ong found that Thailand's fables are alluded to through "an astonishing array" of chimerical beings, while the extensive history of Thailand was relied on through the royal attire and headwear's precise specifications.<ref name="Ong2010-11-11"/>

Kaiwan Kulavadhanothai, who composed the music, was influenced by both Western and Thai music. The show's soundtrack had existing Thai [[folk music]] from the country's [[Regions of Thailand|four regions]]. It had original compositions, where a [[hard rock]] song is played during a hell scene and a ghost's shrieking is portrayed through a [[synthesizer]]. Chang Klaiseetong and Kwanjit Sriprajun, the 1995 and 1996 [[National Artist (Thailand)|National Artists in Performing Arts]], respectively, contributed to the soundtrack's creation.<ref name="Bangkok2005-10-28"/> ''[[The Thaiger]]'' praised the show for being "replete with spectacular songs, vibrant dance routines, and traditional martial arts".<ref name="Catellya2023-06-25">{{cite news |last=Catellya |first=Cita |date=2023-06-25 |title=Where to go after dinner in Phuket |url=https://thethaiger.com/guides/best-of/things-to-do/where-to-go-after-dinner-in-phuket |newspaper=[[The Thaiger]] |accessdate=2024-01-08 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20240108011520/https://thethaiger.com/guides/best-of/things-to-do/where-to-go-after-dinner-in-phuket |archivedate=2024-01-08 }}</ref>

==Commentary about authenticity==
[[File:Siam Niramit Bangkok performers 1 (2014).jpg|thumb|Siam Niramit Bangkok performers in 2014]]
''[[The Nation (Thailand)|The Nation]]''{{'}}s Pawit Mahasarinand called Siam Niramit a show for non-Thai tourists that was inapplicable to Thai viewers.<ref name="Mahasarinand2015-03-30">{{cite news |last=Mahasarinand |first=Pawit |date=2015-03-30 |title=A question of sharing |url=https://www.nationthailand.com/lifestyle/30256908 |newspaper=[[The Nation (Thailand)|The Nation]] |id={{ProQuest|1667277719}} |accessdate=2024-01-08 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20240108011528/https://www.nationthailand.com/lifestyle/30256908 |archivedate=2024-01-08 }}</ref> Mahasarinand said audience members are incorrectly influenced into thinking the show exemplifies modern Thai theater.<ref name="Mahasarinand2017-01-09">{{cite news |last=Mahasarinand |first=Pawit |date=2017-01-09 |title=The shows will go on: A few new venues will be added this year but the number of productions is likely to remain the same as in 2016 |url=https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/document-view?p=WORLDNEWS&docref=news/161CB4D3A1F0FAE8&f=basic |newspaper=[[The Nation (Thailand)|The Nation]] |accessdate=2024-01-08 |archiveurl=https://archive.today/20240108011554/https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/document-view?p=WORLDNEWS&docref=news/161CB4D3A1F0FAE8&f=basic |archivedate=2024-01-08 }}</ref> The author Jim Algie said of the Phuket show, "For canned culture, this is a bit on the tacky side, but cleverly constructed nonetheless."<ref name="Algie55">{{harvnb|Algie|2012|p=55}}</ref> Philip Cornwel-Smith and his coauthors in the book ''Bangkok: What's New, What's On, What's Best'' called the Bangkok show [[edutainment]] that is a "weak retrea[d] of the official stereotype" and has "no soul".<ref name="Cornwel-Smith2010">{{cite book |last1=Cornwel-Smith |first1=Philip |last2=Osborne |first2=Laurie |last3=Wrisley |first3=Jarrett |last4=Jotisalikorn |first4=Chami |last5=Mertens |first5=Brian |date=2010 |title=Bangkok: What's New, What's On, What's Best |url=https://archive.org/details/bangkokwhatsneww0000unse/ |location=London |publisher=[[Time Out Group]] |via=[[Internet Archive]] |pages=[https://archive.org/details/bangkokwhatsneww0000unse/page/12/ 12], [https://archive.org/details/bangkokwhatsneww0000unse/page/28/ 28], [https://archive.org/details/bangkokwhatsneww0000unse/page/150/ 150] |isbn=978-1-84670-147-4 |accessdate=2024-01-08 }}</ref> The author Joe Cummings found the show to be a ''[[khon]]'' that features greater technology.<ref name="Cummings2007">{{cite book |last=Cummings |first=Joe |editor-last=Tyler |editor-first=Anna |date=2007 |title=Bangkok |url=https://archive.org/details/bangkok0000cumm/page/89/ |location=Singapore |publisher=[[Apa Publications]] |via=[[Internet Archive]] |page=89 |isbn=978-981-268-023-5 |accessdate=2024-01-08 }}</ref> The author Paul Gray and his coauthors said that the vast majority of Thai theater is not understandable to foreign tourists owing to the [[language barrier]]. They cited Siam Niramit as a show that is "unashamedly tourist-oriented but the easiest place to get a glimpse of the variety and spectacle intrinsic to traditional Thai theatre".<ref name="Gray2012">{{cite book |last1=Gray |first1=Paul |last2=Ridout |first2=Lucy |editor-last=Gibbs |editor-first=Emma |date=2012 |title=The Rough Guide to Thailand's Beaches & Islands |url=https://archive.org/details/roughguidetothai0000unse_2012/ |location=London |publisher=[[Rough Guides]] |via=[[Internet Archive]] |pages=[https://archive.org/details/roughguidetothai0000unse_2012/page/140/ 140]–[https://archive.org/details/roughguidetothai0000unse_2012/page/141/ 141] |isbn=978-1-40539-008-8 |accessdate=2024-01-08 }}</ref> The journalist [[Suzanne Nam]] praised the show, saying it was "a little touristy" but was "entertaining" and an "easy way to learn some Thai history and have fun at the same time".<ref name="Nam2011"/>

''[[The Straits Times]]'' theater critic Ong Sor Fern found Siam Niramit to be [[kitsch]] that is culturally educational for tourists but said the show should not be disregarded for only being that as it is a substantial undertaking that relies a lot on the culture and history of Thailand. According to Fern, she could be a "theatre snob" who criticizes the show for being "rubbish, a crude bowdlerisation of the fine, regal tradition of classical Thai dances". She instead decided that the show is "an easy, bite-sized introduction to Thai arts and culture" that "is akin to peering at a culture through a funhouse mirror, given the inevitable simplifications". Performers receive [[gainful employment]] through the show, which could be their only way of being professional dancers, she said. Ong concluded that "so-called tourist trap cultural performances" like Siam Niramit were gateways to "purer" art forms, inspiring audience members like her to try to find Thai shows that are more authentic.<ref name="Ong2010-11-11"/>

In an interview with the scholar Michael Fontaine, the show's [[stage director]] Dangkamon Na-Pombejra criticized the show for being a commercial work focused on appealing to viewers rather than teaching viewers potentially controversial concepts that they may be wary of.<ref name="Fontaine68–69">{{harvnb|Fontaine|2008|pp=68–69}}</ref> Dangkamon lamented that his creative decisions frequently were blocked by Siam Niramit's producers who said viewers "were tourists [and] we don't want anything that difficult or elaborate".<ref name="Fontaine103">{{harvnb|Fontaine|2008|p=103}}</ref>

==Reception==
Albert Rodriguez of ''[[Seattle Gay News]]'' called the show "an engaging, colorful, and festive display".<ref name="Rodriguez2011-06-17"/> The author Jim Algie praised the Bangkok show, calling it "a primer on the history of Thailand reenacted with the pizzazz of a Vegas show in a luxurious 2,000-seat theater".<ref name="Fontaine99–100">{{harvnb|Fontaine|2008|pp=99–100}}</ref> ''Noosa News'' praised the entertainment complex, writing, "The Siam Niramit in Bangkok gives you three separate experiences: a glimpse of village life, unforgettable dining, and breathtaking theatre which express Thailand's rich culture.  What an asset to a bustling city."<ref name="Noosa2009-11-27"/> Marryam H. Reshii of ''[[Business Line]]'' called Siam Niramit "a spectacular extravaganza" and said it "beats Bollywood hollow", while ''[[The Courier-Mail]]'' found it to be "one of the most visually stunning shows I've seen anywhere".<ref name="Reshii2012-02-10"/><ref name="Wright2006-06-24">{{cite news |last=Wright |first=John |date=2006-06-24 |title=Bangkok, gateway to an enchanting kingdom |url=https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/document-view?p=WORLDNEWS&docref=news/112709818EE9CB78&f=basic |newspaper=[[The Courier-Mail]] |id={{ProQuest|354059203}} |accessdate=2024-01-08 |archiveurl=https://archive.today/20240108011648/https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/document-view?p=WORLDNEWS&docref=news/112709818EE9CB78&f=basic |archivedate=2024-01-08 }}</ref>

''[[The Philippine Star]]''{{'}}s Althea Lauren stated, "the costumes, stage props, and backdrops are already a feast for the senses—think of all the majestic temples and colorful history and legends that make Thailand a top tourist destination, and imagine them represented on stage".<ref name="Ricardo2008-03-20"/> A ''[[Hindustan Times]]'' writer called the show "spectacular", noting, "Martial arts, dance, drama, comedy, special effects—you name it, you got it. I sat through 80 whole minutes on the edge of the seat without so much as a yawn or a nod."<ref name="Hindustan2006-08-05">{{cite news |date=2006-08-05 |title=When in Thailand... |url=https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/document-view?p=WORLDNEWS&docref=news/1136185002F70880&f=basic |newspaper=[[Hindustan Times]] |accessdate=2024-01-08 |archiveurl=https://archive.today/20240108011602/https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/document-view?p=WORLDNEWS&docref=news/1136185002F70880&f=basic |archivedate=2024-01-08 }}</ref> The ''[[Business Day (South Africa)|Business Day]]''{{'}}s Katy Chance lauded the show, writing, "While it may be the Thai equivalent of our own African Footprint in content, its staging, costumes and production value is quite staggeringly good".<ref name="Chance2006-11-25"/> Awed by how the show's creators were able replicate heavy tropical rain on the stage, ''[[The New York Times]]'' writer Thomas Fuller praised the show for being "worth the trip", writing, "It's sort of Thai culture meets Las Vegas. Sounds like a turnoff, but the sheer scale of the performance is impressive."<ref name="Fuller2007-05-22">{{cite news |last=Fuller |first=Thomas |date=2007-05-22 |title=Siam meets Las Vegas |url=https://archive.nytimes.com/intransit.blogs.nytimes.com/2007/05/22/siam-meets-las-vegas/ |newspaper=[[The New York Times]] |accessdate=2024-01-08 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20240108011610/https://archive.nytimes.com/intransit.blogs.nytimes.com/2007/05/22/siam-meets-las-vegas/ |archivedate=2024-01-08 }}</ref>

==Footnotes==
{{notelist}}

==References==
{{reflist}}

==Bibliography==
* {{cite book |last=Algie |first=Jim |date=2012 |title=Thailand |url=https://archive.org/details/thailand0000algi/ |location=North Clarendon, Vermont |publisher=[[Tuttle Publishing]] |via=[[Internet Archive]] |pages=[https://archive.org/details/thailand0000algi/page/55/ 55], [https://archive.org/details/thailand0000algi/page/97/ 99]–[https://archive.org/details/thailand0000algi/page/98/ 100] |isbn=978-0-8048-4210-5 |accessdate=2024-01-08 }}
* {{cite thesis |last=Fontaine |first=Michael |date=2008 |title=Beginning in the midst of the world: Ethics, poetics and social change on an international stage |url=https://repository.usfca.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1189&context=diss |degree=PhD |publisher=[[University of San Francisco]] |id={{ProQuest|304825065}} |oclc=612067551 |accessdate=2024-01-08 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20240108011720/https://repository.usfca.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1189&context=diss |archivedate=2024-01-08 }}

==External links==
* {{Commons category-inline|Siam Niramit}}
* [https://www.siamniramitphuket.com/ Official website]

{{coord missing|Thailand}}

[[Category:2005 establishments in Thailand]]
[[Category:2011 establishments in Thailand]]
[[Category:2019 disestablishments in Thailand]]
[[Category:Elephants in culture]]
[[Category:Huai Khwang district]]
[[Category:Restaurants in Thailand]]
[[Category:Tourist attractions in Bangkok]]
[[Category:Tourist attractions in Phuket province]]
[[Category:Variety shows]]