KHANTHAPASALA: A TELEVISION PROGRAM THAT BROUGHT BACK THAI MUSIC's LIFE

Abstract

This is part of a qualitative research that aimed to study: 1) The history and Thai music's situation before the Khanthapasala program was initiated: 2) Perspectives, structure, ideas and content presented in this program: 3) Value and affect of the Khanthapasala on Thai society.

The major findings are: 1) Before the Khanthapasala program was created, Thai music had declined under Phiboonsongkram's cultural policies. 2) The purpose of the Khanthapasala program was to preserve Thai music by presenting live music including songs, dances, poetry, literature and drawing along with music. 3) Khanthapasala was valuable in creating Thai musical knowledge, entertainment, dances, language poetry, as well as in history. It affected to the preservation of Thai culture and furthered sense of Thainess.

The idea of Khanthapasala program were also affected to Thai society in many ways such as the presentation of Thai music on television, introduced the well-known artists to the audiences, educated people about principle of performance practice and ensembles setting, selecting music for presentation, gave chance to the new artists, giving idea on radio and television program management as well as being a valuable source for Thai music knowledge.