Origin Luk thung traces its roots from
phleng Thai sakon, which adopted Western instrumental characteristics like the
orchestra and electronic instruments in the time of
King Rama IV.
Phleng Thai sakon continuously evolved throughout the time of
King Rama V, and was showcased in numerous films and stage performances. Atiphob Pataradetpisan's, "Waltz Pleumchit" ("Delighted Mind Waltz") in 1903 was recorded to be the first Thai
sakon song. During
Plaek Phibunsongkhram's government (1938-1944),
phleng Thai sakon became a form of
propaganda for the government to broadcast its political ideology of modernization in Thailand. In 1939,
Eua Sunthornsanan formed the first Thai
sakon band, called
Suntharaporn, using a number of classically trained musicians who had lost their royal appointments following the 1932 coup. Eua Sunthornsanan served the Prime Minister, Plaek Phibunsongkhram, as the head of Thailand's main orchestra, and the music section for Thailand's Public Relations Department. He dominated the music industry by composing over 2,000 songs, leading him to become one of the most influential pioneers of
phleng Thai sakon. Some of his notable records were, "Phleng Wattanatum" ("Culture song"), "Phleng Faai" ("Cotton song"), and "Phleng Saang Thai" ("Building Thailand song"). In 1944 the
Romvong dance was introduced by the Phibun government's
Fine Arts Department when it issued ten "Ramvong Matrathan" ("standard circle dances") to compete against Western dance music. It is suggested that Phibun and his wife, La-iat, had observed rural "Ramthon" ("Drum Dance") performances while visiting
Phetchabun province and surrounding areas. La-iat noted some of the texts and melodies and these notes formed the basis of the Fine Arts Department's
Ramvong Matrathan. This was a critical step in the future formulation of
luk thung.
Ramvong went on to become a highly successful musical genre in Thailand for a decade after the mid-1940s. It was
Ramvong that bought northeastern performers such as Tumthong Chokchana (a.k.a. Benjamin), born in
Ubon, and Chaloemchai Sriruecha, born in
Roi Et, into the Thai music industry and so paved the way for the heavy northeastern influence on
luk thung music when it emerged.
Golden age of luk thung Suraphol Sombatcharoen played a major role in launching ''luk thung's
earliest records in the late-1950s to 1960s, leading luk thung
to reach its peak of popularity; this earned him the title "king of luk thung''". He composed over 100 songs, includes his first hit, "Nam Da Sow Vienne" ("Tears of a Lao Girl") and many well-known records such as "Sieow Sai" ("Stomachache Nervous"), "Kong Bplom" ("Fake Stuff") and "Sao Suan Taeng" ("The Girl of the Cucumber Farm"). In February 1966, Somyot Thassanaphan became the first
luk thung artist to win the Thai Royal Golden Disk Award, with "Chor Tip Ruang Tong" ("Divine Bouquet of Gold"), composed by Payong Mookda.
Age of musical film In 1970, the release of "
Monrak Luk Thung" ("Luk Thung Love Spell"), directed by Rangsi Thatnopyak and starring
Mitr Chaibancha and
Petchara Chaowarat, popularized
luk thung throughout Thailand. This led to a rapid increase of musical films showcasing
luk thung music, and provided an opportunity for many new artists later in the period. Some of the notable films include "Mae Sri Phai" ("Mother Sri Phai") and "Thung Setti" ("Country Millionaire"). These were followed by "Tone", which starred the rising artist of the period, Sangthong Sisai. Sangthong's records incorporate energetic tempo and rhythm, demonstrated in his famous hit, "Lung Sang Thong" ("Uncle Sang Thong"). During
Thanom Kittikachorn's government, most records emphasized resistance to the corrupt government. "Yom Mabarn Jao Ka" ("King of Hell") gained Buppha Saichol attention due to her depiction of opposing views towards the government, leading her to become one of the most successful artists of the period.
Haang kreuang and concerts Important people who promote culture and record the history of Luk Thung. In more recent times, groups of
backup dancers dressed in Western-influenced fancy costumes (known as
haang kreung) have become an essential component in
luk thung concerts.
Pumpuang Duangjan was the most successful
luk thung female artist of the period; she pioneered a new style by incorporating
string music into
luk thung, resulting in a genre called electronic
luk thung. Her first record was "Phleng Kaew Raw Pi" ("Kaew, Wait for Me"), followed by many other hits, earning her the title "queen of
luk thung". == See also ==