Though Thailand has never been colonized by Western countries, its music somewhat was greatly influenced by American as well as European styles. The two most popular music in Thailand are Luk Thung and Mor Lam.
Luk Thung which is a country music is very popular especially in the rural areas in Thailand. In the mid-20th century, they were many famous country star singers including Suraphol Somatcharoen and Ponsri Woranut. Suraphol’s son is also a famouns country singer, but not as famous as his father. Mega female stars, Pumpuang Duangjan was very famous up to the day she passed away in the 1990s. Her songs are still being sung by newer artists.
Mor Lam music has dominant the Northeastern part of Thailand (Isan Region) – the music is very close to music of Laos. The main instrument used is Khane which is accompanied with the Mor Lam music. At present time, there are approximately over fourteen variations of Mor Lam music.
Kantrum is also played in Isan Region – Kantrum is less popular than Mor Lam, and can be heard by Khmer (Cambodian) populations resided near the border between Thailand and Cambodia.
Besides these folk songs, classical music and jazz have been popular in Thailand since 1930s. Later music played by Suntharaporn’s band is considered to be a more modern type of music incorporated with Western classical music, it is called Pleng Thai Sakorn (modern Thai song) – was very popular in the 1960s and 1970s. Pleng Thai Sakorn was developed into today’s Luk Krung music with romantic music.
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