IDEA CONCERNING TO BEING THAI CULTURE AND THAINESS FROM PRINCE DAMRONG RAJANUBHAB’S WORKS ON THAI CLASSICAL MUSIC AND THE DEVELOPMENT OF THAI CULTURE AND THAINESS (1959-1988)

Abstract

The research aim to study idea concerning and relationship between idea concerning to being Thai culture and “Thainess” from Prince Damrong Rajanupap’s work on Thai classical music and government policy in Thai culture and “Thainess”. The findings revealed that Prince Damrong Rajanupap status is as a high-ranking royal family member who also held the position of Chancellor of the Ministry of the Interior. Therefore, he played an important role in strengthening the stability of governance and upholding the monarchy. His concept of “Thainess” was to highlight the role of the monarch in the status of ruler, which brings prosperity and happiness to the people of the whole kingdom. As a central feature of state power, Thai music was considered a high art form that is part and parcel of the royal court’s entertainment and ceremonies. Therefore, Thai music was an integral part of the civilization that is related to the monarchy. This means that the works of Thai composition is limited to the music of the royal court or the music of the center of state power at that time. That music is clearly distinct from music by region or city in the rest of the kingdom.

Thai music in the era of Prince Damrong Rajanupap consists of the following four themes: (1) “Describing the Musical Instruments;” (2) “Legends of Mahori;” (3) “Legends of Lakhon Inao;” and (4) “Legends of Sapa.” Each theme attaches great importance to the examination of the interpretation of evidence which are not always well-documented in the historical record of the same period.  As a historian who is regarded as the father of Thai history, he applied his knowledge to explain the history of Thai music. This included the concept that Thai music is influenced by India. The various influences of the scope of Thai music and the articulation of Thai music history continues through the study and activities of Thai music by the Fine Arts Department. The key player in passing on such knowledge is Montri Tramote, an important Thai national artist and scholar.

Starting in the era of Field Marshal Sarit Thanarat (1959-1963) to General Prem Tinsulanonda (1980-1988), there began a progressive deterioration of traditional Thai culture.  In addition, foreign Communist influence was considered a threat to national security. Thus, successive government administrations decided to promote a national cultural identity of “Thainess” to help solidify the population under a unified theme. An important component of this cultural identify was Thai music, which was encouraged to be learned, taught, and passed on through subsequent generations. An “Office of National Cultural Commission” was established, and this entity organized dissemination of Thai musical activities.  In this way, the foundation of “Thainess” laid by Prince Damrong Rajanupap would continue to have influence in modern times.