Preecha Karun turns puppets, theatre and local art into a fun playground where kids unlock creativity, discover their roots and grow confidence – all while keeping culture alive. 

Art has the power to reach people in ways that are deeply personal, yet universally felt. It can comfort, teach and inspire. Whether through movement, image or story, art offers a space for connection between individuals and communities. It helps us understand one another and, sometimes, even ourselves.

For some, art is a means of expression; for others, it’s a way to listen, to feel or to heal. Across cultures and histories, it has always been more than decoration – it is how people make sense of the world and their place within it.

With a background in theatre, mime and puppetry, Preecha Karun, also known as Kru Siang recognised this potential. He saw how puppets, often dismissed as simple playthings, could become powerful tools to awaken creativity and confidence in children. In the remote village of Na Dun, where access to the arts was limited, his vision was clear: to make art and culture something woven into daily life. 

Theatre as a Borderless Classroom

“A teacher…a teacher is someone who guides us, gives us chances to learn, let’s us try and fail, offers advice, opens our world and our perspective, and leads by example. Those are the kinds of teachers who have become my role models in both life and work.”

For Kru Siang, the story began with teachers – those who shaped him, inspired him, and opened the door to what art and learning could truly mean. He carries a deep respect for the role of a teacher and, over time, he became one himself.

As the founder of the Mor Lam Hun – Dek Thewada puppet troupe, based in Na Dun district in Maha Sarakham, Kru Siang used his background in theatre, mime and puppetry to do more than perform. He built a small theatre into a space full of warmth, creativity and joy. It became a place where art and learning blended together – where children could grow and discover their own voice. 

The Mor Lam Hun – Dek Thewada puppet troupe focuses on developing the potential of children and youth through art and theatre, drawing on local cultural and artistic heritage. Participants learn various art forms and performances, especially traditional painting techniques such as Huup Taem (traditional mural painting) and the puppetry styles of Nang Bak Tua (shadow puppetry) and Nang Talung Isan (Isan-style shadow puppet theatre).

“My role is to lead learning processes using art and theatre to nurture the skills and abilities of children and young people within Isan community areas.”

He created learning processes that were playful and free, with no grades, no pressure and no limits on curiosity. His approach welcomed every child, opening up a space to try, to question and to find their own way.  

Persistence and Passion

“There was a lot of misunderstanding at first. Many people in the community saw art as something distant and irrelevant, and theatre as nothing more than entertainment – just dancing and performing for a living.”

In the beginning, there wasn’t much cooperation. Some even saw him as foolish or viewed what Kru Siang was doing as meaningless.

But he continued to believe that art and theatre are powerful tools for developing essential skills. They support learning and growth, while also building on the cultural foundations already present in the community. Through these creative processes, local traditions gain new meaning and value – becoming a living part of community life rather than something left behind.

For him the solution was simple: to keep doing the work. Consistent action, patience and determination were key. He believed that with persistence, real change was possible – and he never gave up on that belief.

Today, his group continues to grow, little by little – reaching more children, inspiring more young people, and slowly weaving art and culture into the everyday life of the community. 

Art with Heart: Kru Siang’s Mission to Empower Youth

“What motivates me most today is being able to do what I love every single day and finding joy in it. Working with children and the community through theatre and art brings me happiness.”

Kru Siang breathes life into art by blending it into the lives of children, helping the community see it not as something trivial, but as a source of pride and strength. By blending local art, music, traditional crafts and materials, he has helped build stable livelihoods and a brighter future. His greatest hope is to inspire young people to truly know themselves and their roots  – honouring both their family heritage and the culture of their homeland. Kru Siang wishes for them to grow wise enough to face life’s challenges with knowledge and compassion. Above all, he dreams of a community where everyone can live with happiness, purpose and a deep sense of belonging.