Dear Mr. KIA, My mom is on her way back to Thailand for the first time after living overseas for so long. One of the things she missed most is a traditional Thai show. Now I got to admit, I prefer a live rock concert to a night at a rong lakorn but I want to be a dutiful daughter. Please give me a list of traditional theaters.—Grungy Good Girl

Dear GGG, I’m with you, give me a bit of head banging over a touch of khon dancing any day. Are you sure your mom wouldn’t fancy a night in the mosh pit? Still, here are three famous theaters around town.

Aksra Theatre (8/1 Rangnam Rd., Phayathai, 02-677-8888. www.aksratheatre.com. BTS Victory Monument) stages a regular Thai puppet show (B800, inclusive of a dinner voucher at Pullman) along with one-off traditional performances. Book online or at the counter in front of the theatre. There’s also a café and souvenir shop to keep you entertained during the intervals.

Joe Louis Puppet Theater (Suanlum Night Bazaar, Rama 4 Rd., Lumpini, 02-252-9683/-4. MRT Lumpini. www.thaipuppet.com), keep the ancient art of Thai puppetry alive.They are performing the story of the ancient Hindu god Ganesha (B900 adult). You can also sample Thai dishes at the Naatayasala Terrace restaurant outside.

The Patravadi Theatre (69/1 Soi Wat Rakang Arun, Amarin Rd., 02-412-7287. www.patravaditheatre.com) has been putting on a variety of contemporary and traditional Thai and international performances since 1992. Check out their current shows on the website. The open-air restaurant Studio 9 also has Thai music, dance and puppetry show on Fri and Sat (7:30pm-midnight).