The Khon masks of Thailand are used in theatrical depictions of the Ramayana, based on a specific Thai adaptation of that epic, the Ramakien. The form was developed in the Royal Courts of Thailand and is very similar to the Khol mask dance of Cambodia, the masks beign virtually interchangeable. The present form of dance developed with the acquisition of a Cambodian troop as the spoils of war. The elaboratally decorated helmet masks, frequenlty with several maks used to depict characters at separate stages of the narrative, are distinctive to this region. The Khon is now performed as a dance drama on the public stage. The video shown here is actually that of a Khol performance the Combodia.