Musical Genres
Much like in Western countries, Thailand music is divided into different genres that appeal to different audiences. These different genres are clear in the fact that they reflect the identity of their audience, often in various aspects and degrees. Issues that regard Thai identity include class, gender, and ethnicity- all of which are found to be spoken strongly of in certain genres of Thai music. Their music represents many beliefs and ideas that are supported when listening to.
Thailand music is generally influenced by the idea of freedom (as Thailand translates to Land of the Free), the national identity of Thai people (particularly through religion), and the importance of tradition in the country. These influences, also combined with Western influences, have resulted in the creation of Thai music. The importance of Western musical influences on Thailand popular music dates back to the mid-nineteen hundreds, but namely when Thailand served as a base for American troops at Vietnam (1960s). From then on, the different genres of Thailand music have expanded in their own cultural way but also by the influence of Western culture.
Some of the more popular or common genres of Thailand music include:
Pleng Lukgrung: Thai court music and Western forms.
Pleng Lukthung: Country music (Generated from Thai folk music and Western forms).
Pleng String: Combination of Pleng Lukthrung and rock music as derived from Western cultures.
Pleng Pheua Chiwit: Namely used for protests and politics.
Modern musical technologies have influenced the distribution of music in Thailand- mp3s, iPods, CD, cassettes- since the 1970s. This form on distribution had a large impact on the more modern musical culture, among young people in particular.
Thailand music is mainly exported to China, Italy, and Germany.
Thailand music is generally influenced by the idea of freedom (as Thailand translates to Land of the Free), the national identity of Thai people (particularly through religion), and the importance of tradition in the country. These influences, also combined with Western influences, have resulted in the creation of Thai music. The importance of Western musical influences on Thailand popular music dates back to the mid-nineteen hundreds, but namely when Thailand served as a base for American troops at Vietnam (1960s). From then on, the different genres of Thailand music have expanded in their own cultural way but also by the influence of Western culture.
Some of the more popular or common genres of Thailand music include:
Pleng Lukgrung: Thai court music and Western forms.
Pleng Lukthung: Country music (Generated from Thai folk music and Western forms).
Pleng String: Combination of Pleng Lukthrung and rock music as derived from Western cultures.
Pleng Pheua Chiwit: Namely used for protests and politics.
Modern musical technologies have influenced the distribution of music in Thailand- mp3s, iPods, CD, cassettes- since the 1970s. This form on distribution had a large impact on the more modern musical culture, among young people in particular.
Thailand music is mainly exported to China, Italy, and Germany.