Southern Thai Folk Vocal Music in Chumphon Province

Abstract

The objectives of this study were to study Southern Thai folk vocal music in Chumphon, and to restore, promote, and preserve this kind of music. The findings indicated that the folk vocal music in Chumphon include Pleng Bok, Pleng Na, Pleng Ruea, and Lam Tat Luk Bot. This music is performed in both propitious and misfortune ceremonies. Pho Pleng and Mae Pleng, male and female lead singers, are the lead vocals, and there is a group of singers, called Lok Kho or Luk Bot, who response the lead. In Pleng Bok, the rhythm is maintained by Ching and clapping. No rhythmic instruments are used in Pleng Na. The singers in Pleng Ruea use oars to maintain its rhythm, whereas Lam Tat Luk Bot uses Ching and Rammana lam tat that there is an ordinary stroke. The lyrics are in the poetic form. Prior to the show of Pleng Bok and Pleng Na, offerings are unnecessary. In Pleng Ruea and Lam Tat Luk Bot, the offerings are elaborately set up, the singers are dressed in Southern traditional costumes and the music is transmitted orally. In terms of restoration, promotion, and preservation, the information was gathered for local curriculum development and the Learning Center for the Southern Thai Folk Vocal Music which was established at the Thai Classical Music House, Muanglangsuan School, Langsuan, Chumphon.