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Thailand is a small country in Asia that has made rapid strides in economical terms. It is also a hot tourist destination and very popular amongst Asian as well as western tourists.
Thailand has a great connection with two Asian cultural powers, namely Indian and china. The cultural connection with these two countries has remained strong over the years. However, credit must go to Thailand for maintaining its unique culture and tradition. Western music has been influential in some genres only. Otherwise, Thailand still thrives on its classical and folk music culture.
Modern Thai music is all about luk thung and mor lam. Cultural interaction with UK and USA has resulted in arrival of pop and rock music in the country. New genres of music is greatly relished by youths of the country. Country is wonderful assortment of several ethnic communities and that factor is also reflected in its music. Minorities like Laotians, Hmong, Lisu, Lahu, Lawa, Akha, Karen and Mien have their own musical culture. Go to any part of the country and one will witness a different sort of music form.
Thai country music is known as Pleng luk thung. The country music covers themes like rural lifestyles of the people. Apart from that Thai folk music is very popular. All the parts in the country have their own interpretations of folk songs. There are seven equal notes in Thai musical compositions.
All these notes have a balanced and firm tempo. Tempo could be slow or fast. Melody is very essential in Thai music. Some opinions also say that musical notations of Thai music are slightly complicated but then artists of the country are quite happy with whatever notations they are using. Some of the famous names in Thai music world are, Pumpuang Duangjan, Suraphol Sombatcharoen, Ponsri Woranut and Pumpuang Duangjan. Popularly used instruments are, piano, gongs, flute, strings and percussion instruments.
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