Chula Plays a Leading Role in the Preservation of the Thai Musical Heritage of Phleng Rueang 

Prof. Dr. Kumkom Pornprasit, Dean of the Faculty of Fine and Applied Arts, Chulalongkorn University, presided over the opening of the academic seminar on Thai music, “The Role of Phleng Rueang: Context, Development, and Practice.” The opening ceremony was attended by Asst. Prof. Dr. Sirichaichan Fachamroon, National Artist and University Artist, who conducted the traditional incense-lighting ritual in tribute to the masters. The seminar was jointly organized by the Faculty of Fine and Applied Arts, the Office of Art and Culture Management, and the Center of Excellence in Thai Music Culture, Chulalongkorn University, on Tuesday, November 11, 2025, at the Music Auditorium, Art and Culture Building, Chulalongkorn University. 

Understanding Phleng Rueang 

Phleng Rueang (“narrative pieces” or “extended compositions”) are considered a treasure trove for Thai music learners. Performing Phleng Rueang involves playing a sequence of connected pieces with specific performance methods designated for special occasions—for instance, the Royal Kathina Ceremony. Phleng Rueang differs in style, or “muue khong” (gong-hand techniques), from other forms such as tup, chut, kret, thao, theatrical music, and hom rong overtures. 

Phleng Rueang holds exceptional importance as a repertoire that every Thai musician must study. Each set contains foundational to advanced techniques, culminating in solo performances. It serves as an indicator of the competency of both teachers and learners, reflecting the culture, spirit, and wisdom of Thai musical artistry in systematically organizing and categorizing musical knowledge. Carefully structured classification systems lend Phleng Rueang its grace and sanctity, contributing to the completeness of ceremonial performances. The repertoire is invaluable for developing both practical skills and theoretical understanding—truly a wellspring of knowledge for Thai musicians. 

Chulalongkorn University’s Archival Project 

For over four decades, Chulalongkorn University, through the Office of Art and Culture Management, has carried out a project to document all forms of Thai music—particularly Phleng Rueang—to form a sound and visual archive stored and publicized at the Thai Music Library, Chulalongkorn University. The project has also responded to the royal initiatives of Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn, who recognizes the cultural value of Phleng Rueang. This support has led to collaboration with numerous organizations and music institutions, resulting in one of the most culturally significant archives at Chulalongkorn University. 

In the early stages of the Thai music documentation project, the former Chulalongkorn University Cultural Promotion Center (now the Office of Art and Culture Management) invited renowned Thai musicians to record at the home of Master Prasit Thawon—National Artist and the university’s first Artist-in-Residence and creator of the Thai music curriculum for the Faculty of Fine and Applied Arts. Today, Chulalongkorn’s archive of Phleng Rueang stands as an immensely valuable cultural resource for future researchers and enthusiasts. 

The Faculty of Fine and Applied Arts’ initiative to organize the seminar on Phleng Rueang continues Chulalongkorn University’s longstanding commitment to deepening understanding and raising awareness of the repertoire’s cultural value. It provides a platform for scholars, music teachers, and practitioners to exchange knowledge and perspectives, paving the way for preservation, transmission, and appropriate adaptation of Phleng Rueang in contemporary society. 

Opening Performance 

The seminar opened with a commemorative performance of Phleng Rueang Nang Hong by the Thai music ensemble of the Faculty of Fine and Applied Arts, conducted and trained by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Pattara Komkam, Head of the Department of Thai Music, in tribute to Her Majesty Queen Sirikit the Queen Mother. 

This seminar was enriched by knowledgeable lecturers who provided demonstrations and insights into Phleng Rueang, supporting its preservation and transmission. Participants gained clearer understanding and inspiration for further study. Honored speakers included Assoc. Prof. Phichit Chaiseri (Thai music expert), Asst. Prof. Dr. Sirichaichan Fachamroon (National Artist), Master Peep Konglaithong, and Master Chaiya Thangmeesri (National Artist), who served as project advisors. Speakers also joined from music departments of government agencies, academic institutions, and the military bands of the Royal Thai Army, Royal Thai Navy, and Royal Thai Air Force, as well as the Fine Arts Department’s Music Division, Burapha University, Bansomdejchaopraya Rajabhat University, and Nakhon Pathom Rajabhat University. 

The faculty also expresses gratitude to Master Sakchai Ladda-on (retired officer, Fine Arts Department Music Division), Master Chatri Obnual (senior teacher and special lecturer, Thai Music Department, Bansomdejchaopraya Rajabhat University), Master Phithak Channayot (senior specialist, Department of Music, Faculty of Humanities, Kasetsart University), and Master Piya Sawangpanich (senior music artist, Fine Arts Department Music Division). 

Student Involvement and Academic Integration 

This seminar forms part of the course Seminar in Thai Music for 3rd-year students in Thai Music at the Faculty of Fine and Applied Arts. Students conducted research, reviewed related literature, interviewed experts, and consulted lecturers to present differences between past and contemporary practices of Phleng Rueang, shaped by changing social contexts. The event was moderated by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Pattara Komkam. Students, university participants, and school groups from Rayong, Chonburi, Uthai Thani, Bangkok, and surrounding provinces took part. Participants—from primary students to university level—engaged actively with experts through questions and discussions. This promising engagement signals a bright future for the continued transmission of Phleng Rueang to the next generations. 

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