Legal Philosophy in “Pleng Phuea Chiwit” Songs

Abstract

     Law is a fundamental element in the construction of society; wherever there is society, there is law. It is a significant duty of citizens within a society to learn and understand the law of their own community. This can be compared to playing a game where players must constantly learn the rules to avoid violations. In similarlity, law regulate society to ensure peace and order. The author seconds that, currently, there are far too many laws in society for the general public to learn in their entirety. Furthermore, the learning and understanding of law need not be monopolized exclusively within just legal institutions or educational establishments. People may rely on the consumption of literature, music, or other alternatives to perceive and understand the law. Simultaneously, literature or music serves as a channel for conveying the public's perception, understanding, and application of the law. “Phleng Phuea Chiwit” or the category of songs regarding the hardship of living life, politics and understanding of social discourse was a significant medium for reflecting society's thoughts and beliefs regarding the law, and they pave an important path of the era for the masses to struggle and thrives. Through the analysis of a handful of songs, the author found that “Phleng Phuea Chiwit” can foster legal philosophy into urban people, farmers, factories worker and labor classes, permeating the thoughts of everyone from the higher hierachy to the grass root citizen. This represents a new approach to legal study that is not confined to textbooks or classrooms, but exists everywhere, even within music.