Abstract:
The study is about Beggar Songs of Master Prateep Suksopha, Sukhothai Province who has studied development of Beggar Songs in the past until present, including their reflex in many aspects to Thai society. The research methodology used is Musical Anthropology by participation observation field work and supporting documents. It was found from the study that Master Prateep Suksopha still conserves and relays the art of playing Beggar Songs which depict the suffering and poverty of the singers and asks the listeners to help by giving them rice and other things to eat such as fruits, and presently they ask for money also. As for singing the songs, there is clapping of coupled claves for rhythm and fun. Besides, Master Prateep Suksopha also has Thai music band to entertain more. As for performing, there shall always be Wai Kru ceremony (paying respects to all teachers) and invitation of sacred things for fortune. There is singing of Beggar Songs and telling fairy tales or stories that teach or warn the listeners of goodness and badness. Beggar Songs illustrate Thai culture and lifestyle, i.e. the condition of the poor in Thailand which is caused by many reasons such as family aspect, environment, society, economy and etc., resulting in problem in earning their life. The poor therefore have to beg for money to struggle for survival and do not famish in present Thai society. Beggar Songs play a significant role in Thai society. They provide entertainment, education, morals which are guidelines for living. They point out society values in the form of melody and verse. They reflect Thai society in the aspects of local lifestyle, occupation, religion, skits, tradition and local culture from the past to the present.