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The music of Thailand though presently permeated by the influence of American and European pop music and other such western forms. On the other hand the dance has been comparatively free from such influence and it has been the main dramatic art form of Thailand. Music: Thailand's culture, including its music has been influenced in the early days by India and china, which were the two centers of Asian civilizations. The Thai music are Luk Thung and Morlam. - Classical music: The earliest musical instruments used in Thailand were Piphat and Khruang Sai; the latter was a string instrument. These ensembles were generally used in traditional theatre and religious performances. Thai music is non-harmonic, melodic or linear and its primary organization is horizontal. - Folk music: The folk music of Thailand includes Luk Thung, Morlam and Kantrum. Luk Thung: Luk Thung is Thailand's rural music that developed during the mid twentieth century. This music was much influenced by that of Latin America and also the American Film soundtracks.
Mor lam: This is the folk music of the northeastern part of Thailand and belongs mainly to the Lao population. This music is characterized by rhythmic vocals and rapid-fire.
Kantrum: Kantrum is a dance music and has a very fast pace. It is played by those living near the border with Cambodia.
Influence of western music and pop: The influence of western music lead to the evolution of many new forma of music like the Luk Grung which was a romantic music popular with the upper class and also later the Wong Shadow that was influenced by the Rock Music of Cliff Richards. The first Thai pop band was named the String.
Dance: the Thai dance is divided into high art and low art. The classical dance is considered is considered as high art, while the folk dance is said to be low art. The classical dance includes Khon, Lakhon and Fawn Thai whereas the folk type includes Likay, Ram Muay and Wai khru. Classical: Khon: This dance drama is performed by non-speaking dancers, the story being related by the chorus at the side of the stage. Costumes and choreography both follow tradition rather than attempting to innovate.
Lakhon: Dancers in this dance are usually female and it features a wider range of stories than Khon.
Fawn Thai: this is again divided into 5 major types namely Fawn Tian, Fawn Leb, Fawn Ngiew, Fawn Marn Gumm Ber and Fawn Marn Mong Kol. Folk dance: the folk dances are much more original in nature. Wai Khru and Ram Muay are both ritualized dance while Likay is performed at the village festivals.
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