Maneeya Dhammataree

Located in Ang Thong province, 108 kilometers north of Bangkok, Ekkaraj, or 'Freedom' sub-district, got its rather unique name when King Naresuan the Great declared that Ayutthaya was free while his troops were stationed in the area. But this isn't the community's only claim to fame, since resident artisans have been producing high-quality classical Thai drums in the area for over 50 years.

Fifty-one-year-old Chachalee Kongmun - also known as Siam – was born into a family of drum-makers. When Siam was just seven years old, her father took her to the home of Khum Phupradis, a local man who had learned the art of drum-making from his father – Peum Phupradis, the village's first drum-maker, who was had built up a great reputation nationwide among various Likay (a classical form of folk dance) troupes and Piphat (classical Thai music) ensembles.

Siam says that in the past, local people earned a living from farming, performing Likay or classical songs in Piphat troupes in between crops. Traditional musical instruments were therefore an important part of life, meaning it was also important to be good with your hands. Peum passed on his knowledge to his son, not only in terms of the practical techniques required to produce each drum, but also the rituals involved in the process.

Ritualistic expressions

The Yok Kru Glong ritual is carried out by a student, demonstrating their intention to become a drum-maker. It is supposed to take place on any Thursday during a waning September moon. The Wai Kru Glong ritual can be carried out on any Thursday throughout the year and is done to pay respect to Petch-Chalukan, a kind of 'patron saint' of performance. Both these rituals must be led by someone who has experienced them before and understand both the procedure and the incantations. It is thought that participation in these rituals can bring happiness and good fortune.

There are other drum-making superstitions relating to the production process. The community's artisans won't use wood from a shrine, or wood that has on its surface a hole large enough to accommodate a monk's bowl. Drum-makers won't use wood from a Dipterocarpaceae tree since it is thought to bring bad luck.

In general, each drum is crafted from a particular kind of wood and utilizes a specific kind of skin depending on its function. Hard woods, such as rosewood or afzelia (African mahogany), offer a clear bass tone, are durable, boast beautiful patterns, and can easily be polished. This is ideal for drums that are played by hand, such as the Glong Khaek (barrel drum), Glong Thon (goblet drum), and Rammana (flat framed drum). Since hardwoods are rare and are very expensive, raintree wood or mango tree wood are sometimes used as alternatives.

Cow hide is the most popular form of material used as a drum skin since it is thin yet durable, easily available, and inexpensive. It is ideal for drums that are played by hand, such as the Glong Yao, Glong Thon, and Rammana as it produces a nice clear bass sound.

Buffalo hide is thicker and is therefore more suitable for drums played with sticks, such as the Glong Thad (a large drum played with sticks and commonly found in a Piphat ensemble), and Glong Pain (a large drum commonly used in temples). The sound is slightly duller and is less 'clean' sounding that those produced by other drums.

It's thought that skins made from goat or snake skins produce the clearest, most beautiful sound. These materials are more appropriate for smaller-sized drums. Since goat and snake skins are very expensive, these kinds of drums are made to order only. Skins from bears, dogs, elephants, or tigers are strictly prohibited. Monitor lizard skins are widely used to produce drums used as a form of offering at a shrine.

Open-door policy

Humidity can be another factor in terms of sound quality. If humidity levels rise too far, such as during the rainy season or in the morning or evening during the cool season, the drum's body and drumhead can easily wrinkle, producing a sharp piercing sound.

The technique used to stretch the skin over the drum depends on what kind of drum is being made, according to Siam. Siam feels that to produce a quality drum, every procedure must be followed strictly and carefully. It is in this spirit that she invites members of the public to pay her a visit for a demonstration of the techniques involved during a trip to the kingdom.

For further information or to schedule a visit, please contact Tel: +66 (0)3 566 1892.

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