Ajarn Rakop Pothiwes

He is the son of Ajarn Thom Pothiwes, a late Royal Khon artist (Giant) during the Reign of King Rama XI. Ajarn Rakop was born on January 7, 1934 in Bangkok. In 1945, he entered the College of Dramatic Arts, and was one of the of students to study at the college in the first year of its opening . Following his father, he chose to be trained as Giant, under the supervision of Ajarn Aram Indranut and Ajarn Yat Changthong. He received training as Hero from His Excellency, Luang Wiraswonggnam (Rum Idranut), Lady Paew Sanitwongsaenee and Ajarn Akom Sayakom.

After graduating with a certificate in advanced performing arts in 1960, he joined the government service as an artist in the Music and Drama Division, Department of Fine Arts until retirement. Because of his talent and great ability in the art of Khon, he was selected by present King, to be one of the artists to inherit the “Phra Pirab” Choreograph set, the most prestigious and sacred choreograph set of the art of Thai Dance. The choreography was passed on by Ajarn Jian Jarujaron in 1984 Drama. Ajarn Rakop was honoured as a National Artist in performing arts (dramatic arts-Khon) in 2004, and still continue his work at the Music and Drama Department as a senior advisor.