Abstract:
Phleng Prob Kai is an old folk plays culture in the central part of Thailand. It has been played since the Ayudhya period. It an antiphonal singing between male and female with the utterance relating to sexuality discourse and its rhythm was unique. At present, it is found only in one band of Phleng Prob Kai left in the local community namely Baan Don Khoi. This community is located in Pethchaburi, the province in central part of Thailand where the field study was conducted during 2008-2010. As for the study on the analysis of singing form and methods of Phleng Prob Kai, the researcher applied methods, concepts, and theories of Thai music in order to be a guideline for studying. The process, form, and methods, including rhythm and lyrics were studied in order to show the singing methods of folk songs and background systematically. The study aimed to understand structural elements and forms of playing Phleng Prob Kai in Baan Don Khoi community. It also aimed to analyze the forms and methods of singing of Phleng Prob Kai. The results of this study indicate that Phleng Prob Kai at Baan Don Khoi was shown in two different occasions: first occasion was an annual show in front of Phaw Poo the community shrine where spirits of ancestor are living and another occasion was for local entertainment. There are in total 15 steps, 2 types and 4 rhythms of singing forms of Phleng Prob Kai. As for the song, Phleng Prob Kai has 4 singing melodies and total 12 songs. As for the lyrics, it is very popular to use the old-fashioned expression for singing. The new lyrics are not popularly created. The singing methods are the prototype of folk singing style in the central part of Thailand.