History and Musical Characteristics of Lam Puan Folk Song in Khok Pip Sub-district, Si Mahosot District, Prachin Buri Province.

Abstract

The term “Puan” refers to the ethnic group who resided in Puan town in the Lao People’s Democratic Republic where there was a Puan river running through it. Historically, the Puan people emigrated to Thailand during the late Krung Thonburi period. Khok Pip sub-district is an area in PrachinBuri Province where there is a unique culture of Thai Puan (or Lao Puan) known as “Lam Puan” or “Kub Puan” folk music. The characteristics of Lam Puan folk music are in the forms of antiphonal singing and narrative singing, using local language (Puan language). The songs have a slow melody with the lyrics that tell either traditional or modern stories. The sound of the music could be portrayed in sad or pleasing tones. The Lam Puan folk songs are performed by a leading vocalist who sings with the response of the “Hew” chorus from the participating people. The songs are also performed by male and female soloists who sing alternately in Thai-style antiphon, accompanied by a single musical instrument, “Can” (the bamboo mouth organ). At present, the Lam Puan folk music is usually found only in the Ceremony of Vessantara Sermon and the Kathin Ceremony.