The Musical Characteristics of Five Ethnic Groups in the Thonburi District

Abstract

This study explores the history and musical characteristics of five ethnic groups in the Thonburi area: Chinese, Khaek, Mon, Lao, and Farang. Each group settled in Thonburi at different times and for various reasons. The Teochew Chinese, Portuguese, and Shia Muslims, known locally as Khaek Chao Sen, migrated as early as the Ayutthaya period for trade and government service and later relocated to Thonburi when King Taksin established it as the new capital. Meanwhile, the Mon people migrated to escape wars with Burma, and the Lao were relocated from Vientiane. Upon settling, these five groups adapted to Thai society, adopting Thai cultural elements while sharing their own traditions with the local community. They introduced their music, which plays an important role in religious practices and livelihoods. For instance, the Teochew Chinese brought “Loh Kow,” a ritualistic music genre performed in the Wat Kalayanamit area; the Mon have the "Sompin" song and dance for the Songkran festival in the Wat Pradittharam area; the Lao community near Wat Bang Sai Kai specializes in flute making; Shia Muslims perform the Pee-Klong ensemble in their Khaek Chao Sen ceremonies; and the Portuguese descendants in the Kudi Chin area take pride in the "Kariyon Bell" and "Luk Kudi Chin" songs. The music of each group has a unique structure based on musical theory and resonates deeply with participants during ceremonies. Today, the musical traditions of these five groups continue to play a significant role in their communities, preserved and passed down to future generations within each ethnic group.