Thai central region folk songs and performances : roles and expression related to the COVID-19

Abstract

The coronavirus disease 2019 epidemic is a serious threat to the world including Thailand. cause change in society especially the use of social distancing policies to prevent the spread of disease affect various professions. Folk music and performance artists were also among the affected groups, making it impossible to hold regular performances. However, the study found that folk songs and performances were made available to social media in video clip. From collecting data through the Facebook page of the Provincial Cultural Office in the central region and Facebook page "Central Folk Song Association of Thailand" from 1 March - 30 April 2020 found that 29 clips of folk songs and performances were created, Composed of folk songs, folk performance, and music for show. The creators include artiste, teachers, and students. In some cases, the production is supported by agencies under the Ministry of Culture and local hospitals. The content shown emphasizes the knowledge of the origin, importance, symptoms of disease, disease prevention, Ways to contact public health agencies and government policies in dealing with the epidemic, raising awareness of the problem, bless the listeners in Songkran Festival and reflects the suffering of the artiste's lack of income. The show format includes both demonstration shows, informal show, performance applied to other media, and recording only of sound. The performance has been adapted to suit the modern times and easy accessibility. All of this shows the role of folk songs and performances in artiste. Sponsors, audience, and society. It also shows that Central region folk songs and performances are still one of the mediums that exist in society and create society through aesthetic arts. With the efforts of artistes who, although they may not have a physical stage. But still able to create work for society with the true ideology of the artist.