Thai Music

Thailand’s links to the music world are closely connected with that of India and China. Although never colonized by Western imperial powers, Thailand still owes a large of its musical influences to European and American music. Thai’s musical lineage followed a more oral tradition where its distinctive music is said to be a mere 700 years old.  This is because only during the Ayuthaya period did Thai music gain prominence. However with the fall of the dynasty and the burning of its art collections and historical literature by Rama I, the history of Thai music suffered a huge blow.
To get back to the fundamentals of Thai music right; it is made of seven equal notes, with its tempo being firm and balanced. Melody in the song is horizontal by structure followed by slower and faster tempos. Tones and semi tones are also incorporated in their music similar to the Western style on musical notes. Importance and prominence is also given to a pulse or group of pulses in the conclusion of a musical beat. However Thailand’s musical notations and compositions are also extremely complicated and difficult to learn. Musical instruments would include the flute, piano, percussion instruments, stings and gongs.
Classical Thai musical instruments largely constituted various percussion instruments like the piphat, such as woodwind while the khruang sai is made up of string instruments. Classical instruments such as phin, sang, pichanai, krachap pi, chakhe were well known and after making contact with the West, the drums, violin and piano were promoted as well. Thai’s musical instruments have been drawn from India and other countries while molding and adapting it into their own unique styles. Music was also contributed through short stories which later on became songs and are still used in many play adaptations today.
Thai country music, better known as Pleng luk thung, spoke about the lifestyles of rural Thailand. Some if its big stars include Ponsri Woranut, Suraphol Sombatcharoen and Pumpuang Duangjan. More Lam or folk music is another distinct genre which involves rhythmic vocals and an up-tempo feel to it. However interpretation of a mor lam vary as there exists about fifteen regional interpretations already.  In the 1930’s Western musical influence slowly started gaining prominence with a wide variety ad kinds of musical fields like jazz, tango and even classical Western music. Western rock growing slowly in the 60’s saw the emergence of a new kind of pop genre known as string. Gaining popularity with the masses, it led to the emergence of bubble gum artists as well like Tata Young and Asanee & Wasan. Thai pop also saw the emergence of Christina Aguilar, often mistaken for the well known US songstress Christina Aguilera, and who is considered to be one of the top Thai pop/rock artists in Thai’s musical lineage.
The very well known Thailand Philharmonic Orchestra covered under the royal patronage, has had a big influence in nurturing the talents of Thai artists and also endeavoring to achieve national and international recognition. They aim for quality and perfection and promote arts and culture as well. The Thai royal family has also added to the rich heritage of Thai music by patronizing it within their families itself. Well known jazz player his Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej, has many accolades to his credit including original compositions as well, one of which went on to be featured on Broadway.