A ''prakhom'' band ( th, วงเครื่องประโคม) is a type of traditional Thai music band employed to play ceremonial music–known as ''prakhom'' music–during certain Thai rituals. Today, they report to the

Bureau of the Royal Household The Bureau of the Royal Household (BRH) ( th, สำนักพระราชวัง) is an agency of the monarchy of Thailand. In addition to a range of administrative and ceremonial responsibilities, the bureau also serves as a conduit for ...

's (BRH) Royal Ceremonial Division, and are responsible for the playing of traditional songs during royal events of the Royal Family of Thailand, in a custom known as ''prakhom yam yam'' or royal ceremonial music performances. The Prakhom Band plays the ''prakhom'' part of state events involving the Thai Royal Family and are distinguished by their red

dress uniforms Full dress uniform, also known as a ceremonial dress uniform or parade dress uniform, is the most formal type of uniforms used by military, police, fire and other public uniformed services for official parades, ceremonies, and receptions, inclu ...

and

pith helmet The pith helmet, also known as the safari helmet, salacot, sola topee, sun helmet, topee, and topi) is a lightweight cloth-covered helmet made of sholapith. The pith helmet originates from the Spanish military adaptation of the native '' salako ...

s. As the term states they play ceremonial music every three hours during state funeral rites to signal officials and staff members of the Royal Family and the ensemble plays in other events like state coronations, royal anniversaries and the State Opening of the National Assembly. The ensemble is similar to the '' daechwita'' ensembles of South Korea, but are of Chinese and Hindu origin. Unlike other ensembles it reports as part of the Royal Ceremonial Division of the BRH, since the instruments are part of the Thai royal regalia. Of the 80 members, 38 work for the BRH, 42 are uniformed personnel of the

Royal Thai Army The Royal Thai Army or RTA ( th, กองทัพบกไทย; ) is the army of Thailand and the oldest and largest branch of the Royal Thai Armed Forces. History Origin The Royal Thai Army is responsible for protecting the kingdom's ...

11th Military District ( 1st Division, King's Guard). In parades and ceremonies these are reinforced by cadets of the

Armed Forces Academies Preparatory School The Armed Forces Academies Preparatory School or AFAPS (Thai: โรงเรียนเตรียมทหาร) is a senior high school in Nakhon Nayok Province. It is a flagship institution of the Royal Thai Armed Forces Headquarters. The ...

and traditional musicians from the

Royal Thai Navy The Royal Thai Navy ( Abrv: RTN, ทร.; th, กองทัพเรือไทย, ) is the naval warfare force of Thailand. Established in 1906, it was modernised by the Admiral Prince Abhakara Kiartiwongse (1880–1923) who is known a ...

Instruments of the ensemble

'' If performing during state ceremonies'': * 1 Royal Khong meng (the Victory Gong) * 1 Poeng mang * 2 Glong banthoh (gold small barrel drums, only for the King) * 16

Klong khaek ''Klong khaek'' ( th, กลองแขก, ) is a type of double-headed barrel drum used in Thai music. The term literally means "Indian drum" from the words ''klong'' (กลอง) meaning drum and '' Khaek'' (แขก) meaning Indian or T ...

* 2 Pi chanai * 8–12 Trae horns (small horns) * 2–4 Sangkhlas (conch shell horns) * 10–14

fanfare trumpet A fanfare trumpet, also called a herald trumpet, is a brass instrument similar to but longer than a trumpet, capable of playing specially composed fanfares. Its extra length can also accommodate a small ceremonial banner that can be mounted on it. ...

s '' If on parade or during funeral marches'': * 1 clapper (separate from the band) * 2 standard bearers * 2 Pi chanai * 1–2 poeng mang * 4 glong banthoh (only if the King is present) composed of 4 timpanists and a squad of 4 bearers on each drum * 160 1st Klong khaek * 40 2nd klong khaek (20 silver and 20 gold each) * 28 Trae horns * 4 Sangkla conch horns * 20 fanfare trumpets * 4 drum majors * 2 fanfare conductors

References

{{ThaiMusicalEnsembles Marching bands Thai music Military music Thai monarchy

Instruments of the ensemble

See also

References