Music

Thai folk music in the northern part of Thailand has been heavily influenced by the Lanna civilization, which held sway over the area from the 11th to the 18th centuries. Today, traditional northern groups called 'salaw saw serng' play three instruments ('salaw', 'pisaw' and 'serng') to accompany local folk songs.

The 'salaw' is a bowed string instrument, similar to those played in central Thailand. It is rather crudely built and does not have the refinement of other stringed instruments. 'Saw' (or 'pisaw') is a wind instrument played by mouth. The 'serng' is a four-stringed instrument, practically identical to the guitar or banjo.

'Salaw saw serng' is popularly performed on merit-making occasions. The performance is sometimes accompanied by dance and song relating the sad and dramatic story of a man-Pra Law, and two women-Puan and Pang. Nighttime performances sometimes involve male and female singers with a humorous repertoire.

Another stringed instrument unique to the region is the 'pinn pia' that creates a beautifully soft sound. The 'pinn pia', an ancient Lanna instrument, is usually played solo since its melody cannot compete with other instruments in volume. The 'pinn pia' is very difficult to play and those that can master the instrument are held in great esteem.

About 100 years ago, public performances of 'pinn pia' were prohibited following a fight in which the long neck of the instrument was used to strike and kill someone. Following that incident, 'pinn pia' performances all but disappeared. More recent efforts to revive the dying art have brought about a resurgence in popularity.

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