In 2002, with Somtow as artistic director, the Bangkok Opera began a series of productions, the first being Purcell's Dido and Aeneas.
The series then moved onto larger-scale works such as Mae Naak, The Magic Flute, and Turandot.
[1] Somtow says the Bangkok Opera was set up based on the idea that, "nothing important has ever happened in art when an audience has been ready for it."
[2] In 2013 Opera Siam International premiered S. P. Somtow's ballet-opera Suriyothai in honour of the birthday of Queen Sirikit.
It starred Stacey Tappan and Winita Lohitkul, and was conducted by Trisdee na Patalung.