Traditional Thai Dance Music

Traditional Thai dance music is influenced by the music of India and China.

Dance and music are integral components of Thai culture. The music of Thailand may sound quite different to Western ears because it is based on a different tonal system. Nevertheless, the music works with the dance to produce a remarkable art form.

Art of Thai Dance

Fawn Thai, traditional Thai dance, was originally performed for the royal courts of Siam. The five styles are Fawn Thiam (Candle Dance), Fawn Leb (Fingernail Dance), Fawn Ngiew (Scarf Dance), Fawn Marn Gumm Ber (Butterfly Dance), and Fawn Marn Mong Kol (Happy Dance). Each has its own tempo and movement.. For example, Fawn Thiam is slow and graceful while Fawn Marn Gumm Ber is faster and lively. Each dance is accompanied by traditional Thai music.

Traditional Thai Band

Traditional Thai Bands are divided into three categories. Wong Pi phat (Flute Band), Wong Khrueang Sai (Bowed String Band), and Wong Mahori (Bowed String and Flute Band) each have subcategories. The Wong Pi phat, for example, can divided into several different types of flute bands including Pi phat Chai-tri and the Pi phat Mai Nuem.

Traditional Thai Orchestra

Thai dance can also be accompanied by a classical Thai Orchestra. There are several kinds of orchestras, including the Khruang Sai and the Mahori. The Khruang Sai is made up of predominately string instruments. The Mahori is exclusively played by women and is a blend of percussion and string instruments.

References

• Traditional Thai Music
• Thai Culture
• The Art of Thai Dance
• Thailand Traditional Music

Resources

• History and Culture in Thailand