Thai Literature in the Luk Krung Music Society

Abstract

Phleng Luk Krung (Urban Thai Songs) originated from Thai popular music in 1903 and was formally distinguished from luk thung (rural songs) in 1964. The relationship between Thai literature and luk krung songs appears in four main forms: (1) direct adoption of literary content (2) modification through addition or omission of words (3) elaboration of selected passages and (4) newly composed lyrics inspired by literary themes. The most frequently adapted work is Inao, the royal composition of King Rama II (Phra Phutthaloetla Naphalai), and love being the predominant theme incorporated into luk krung songs.