Mahori

The mahori (Thai: ), possibly from Sanskrit (manohara, meaning "fascinating, attractive, charming, beautiful") + -ई (-ī, a feminine suffix), is a form of Thai classical ensemble traditionally played in the royal courts for the purpose of secular entertainment. It combines the xylophones and gong circles (but not the pi, or oboe) of the piphat with the strings of the khruang sai ensemble. Originally, the term referred only to a string ensemble, although today it includes both string and percussion. There are three broad types of Mahori: Mahori Khryang Lek, Mahori Khyrang Khu, and Mahori Khyrang Yai, each differentiated by the types of instruments utilized. It is comparable to the Cambodian mohaori ensemble.