Even as Thais mourn, Land of Smiles attracts the world’s clowns
Besieged on all sides by sour times, the maestros of merriment turn frowns upside-down with talk of a ‘fun pivot to Asia’
With their evil imposters distressing the West on social media, and their favourite US travelling circus grinding to a halt after 146 years – it must be tough these days to be an actual, authentic, genuine clown.
But could Asia be the cradle of rebirth for happy hobos with big red noses and even bigger shoes?
That was just one of the questions being asked at the annual World Clown Association Convention – yes, such a thing does exist – in the Thai capital of Bangkok last week. According to the clowning devotees in attendance, there is ample evidence of “a fun pivot to Asia”.
More than 200 clowns from around the world descended on the Land of Smiles, among them a 50-strong band from Hong Kong who made up the biggest delegation. It was an unlikely and incongruous venue for the four-day event which ended on March 31, given Thailand is just six months into a yearlong period of national mourning for its beloved King Bhumibol Adulyadej.
“We made contact with national officials to make sure there wouldn’t be any problems and were given the OK,” said the 54-year-old Randy Christensen, president of the Minnesota-based organisation.