In 2004, at the proposal of Dr Jan Mrázek and Dr Titima Suthiwan, Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn gifted to the Faculty a large set of classical Thai musical instruments, to be used in teaching Thai music at the Southeast Asian Studies Programme. Dr. Mrazek has been studying Thai music since 2004 and has incorporated into SEASP modules on Southeast Asian art (SE2221, SE2214). Moreover, we have been working with Chulalongkorn University in Bangkok, and invited their faculty to conduct several intensive workshops. From August to December 2005, Professor Pichit Chaissaree, a well-known performer and scholar of Thai music, was teaching Thai music at NUS (SE3210). We are planning to invite teachers from Thailand again in near future. Learning to play and appreciate Thai music is a valuable and enjoyable experience for students of Southeast Asian arts and culture.
A group of Thai music enthusiasts (mostly SEASP students), the NUS Thai Music Ensemble, lead by Dr. Mrázek, meets weekly to practice Thai music. Our first performance was at the Southeast Asia Studies Night 2006, where we played a suite accompanying the dance Mae Bot.
Currently, Ms Paphutsorn Wongratanapitak (Koong) from SOAS is our Teacher in Residence. Having to teach in NUS for 1 semester, she has accomplished a lot for the group. Because of her, we have managed to perform in many glitz and galmourous performances.
