But with the severe economic downturn that this country is currently facing, Chinese opera singers are being pushed to the brink.

Many are losing their positions, and because most of these singers start training full-time when they are young, few have other practical job skills.

Thitima Saetia, a devoted fan of traditional Chinese opera, expressed her concern for the actors.

"What else can the players do if they don't work as Chinese opera performers? That is how they earn their money. They have to earn a living also, so they have to have work."

Many people consider traditional Chinese opera the most sophisticated form of opera in the world and the most distinguished expression of Chinese culture. Thousands of pieces are based on ancient tales of heroes and the supernatural. There is simply no equivalent for its high-pitched singing, thunderous music, and elaborate gestures and costumes in the West.

But these are the very characteristics that turn some people off. Chinese opera may not suit everyone's tastes, especially the young who more often turn their ears towards pop melodies.

The future of Chinese opera in Thailand depends on young people taking up the profession, but there are few economic incentives to join.

And so the art form is in danger of being wiped out altogether in the country.

A typical opera troupe employs nearly 50 people, including seamstresses, stagehands, prop builders, and actors. Preecha Obtorng is an opera troupe manager who is feeling the strain of running a show in these harsh economic times.
He prays for better days ahead.

"I pray that the holy spirits in the air help us so that the economy will recover soon so we will not lose our jobs. I keep praying for blessings wherever I go. I hope the economy gets better so we can earn money to take care of our families and pay back the money we have loaned from the bank."

Thai government officials have said that the country's economy will grow by two percent next year thanks to increasing exports.

If this is true, then Thailand's Chinese opera singers will have plenty to sing about.