9-Year-Old Boy Mesmerizes Crowd with Khaen Performance at Phraya Lae Shrine.

Chaiyaphum: A 9-year-old boy has captured the hearts of many with his extraordinary Khaen playing skills at the Phraya Lae Shrine in Chaiyaphum Province, earning funds for his education and contributing to building a new house for his grandmother. According to Thai News Agency, the shrine of Lord Phaya Lae, located in Ban Nong Pla Thao, Tambon Nai Mueang, Amphoe Mueang, Chaiyaphum Province, is a revered site where believers come to make offerings and seek blessings. Many visitors fulfill their vows by performing dances, traditionally accompanied by Khaen music. The young boy, known as Nong Kai, was spotted by a news team playing the Khaen with remarkable grace and rhythm, leading a dance to fulfill a vow. His performance was so captivating that it drew the crowd to join in the dance, with many placing banknotes on his Khaen as a token of appreciation. Nong Kai, who lives in Ban Kok Tong Toi, Nong Bua Ban Subdistrict, Chatturat District, Chaiyaphum Province, travels over 35 kilometers every weekend with hi s 12-year-old brother and uncle to perform at the shrine. A Grade 3 student, he began learning the Khaen at the age of 5 under his uncle's tutelage and has been playing to make merit since he was 7 years old. The money he earns is saved for his education and to help his grandmother construct a new home, as their current one is in a dilapidated state. For performers like Nong Kai, the shrine does not set a fixed price for their music. Instead, visitors offer money based on their satisfaction. Leaders of the Khaen performances at the shrine reportedly earn between 500 and 1,000 baht per day. During the merit-making period of the 6th month each year, the income can exceed 2,000 baht due to increased offerings.