An artist has started performing a puppet shows to inform locals about the dangers of the coronavirus.

Narong Chanphum, 73, is staging his traditional Nang talung show in Trang, southern Thailand, with the characters wearing surgical face masks.

Footage from last Sunday (March 29) afternoon shows the veteran puppeteer perform the puppeteering behind the screen along with details of the Covid-19 pandemic.

He explains to locals that they should wear face masks, use hand sanitiser and follow social distancing rules - all measures that can slow the spread of the pandemic.

Natenapa said using the puppets was an effective way to communicate with residents.

She said: "The provincial government office wanted to contain the spread of the disease but they needed everyone in the community to cooperate.

"The Nang Talung puppet shows are popular among local people, so we wanted to use that as an effective way to communicate the information about the disease.''

ENDS