# Prakhom band

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A ***prakhom* band** (Thai: วงเครื่องประโคม) is a type of traditional [Thai music](/source/Music_of_Thailand) band employed to play ceremonial music–known as *prakhom* music–during certain Thai rituals. Today, they report to the [Bureau of the Royal Household](/source/Bureau_of_the_Royal_Household)'s (BRH) [Royal Ceremonial Division](/source/Royal_Ceremonial_Division), and are responsible for the playing of traditional songs during royal events of the [Royal Family of Thailand](/source/Chakri_dynasty), in a custom known as *prakhom yam yam* or royal ceremonial music performances.[1] The Prakhom Band plays the *prakhom* part of state events involving the Thai Royal Family and are distinguished by their red [dress uniforms](/source/Full_dress_uniform) and [pith helmets](/source/Pith_helmet).[2] As the term states they play ceremonial music every three hours during state funeral rites to signal officials and staff members of the Royal Family and the ensemble plays in other events like state coronations, royal anniversaries and the State Opening of the National Assembly.[3]

The ensemble is similar to the *[daechwita](/source/Daechwita)* ensembles of South Korea, but are of Chinese and Hindu origin.[4] Unlike other ensembles it reports as part of the Royal Ceremonial Division of the BRH, since the instruments are part of the Thai royal regalia. Of the 80 members, 38 work for the BRH, 42 are uniformed personnel of the [Royal Thai Army](/source/Royal_Thai_Army) 11th Military District ([1st Division, King's Guard](/source/1st_Division_(Thailand))).[5]

In parades and ceremonies these are reinforced by cadets of the [Armed Forces Academies Preparatory School](/source/Armed_Forces_Academies_Preparatory_School) and traditional musicians from the [Royal Thai Navy](/source/Royal_Thai_Navy).

## Instruments of the ensemble

*If performing during state ceremonies*:

- 1 Royal [Khong meng](/source/Khong_meng) (the Victory Gong)
- 1 [Poeng mang](/source/Poeng_mang)
- 2 Glong banthoh (gold small barrel drums, only for the King)
- 16 [Klong khaek](/source/Klong_khaek)
- 2 [Pi chanai](/source/Pi_(instrument))
- 8–12 [Trae horns](/source/Trae_(instrument)) (small horns)
- 2–4 [Sangkhlas](/source/Sangkhla_(instrument)) (conch shell horns)
- 10–14 [fanfare trumpets](/source/Fanfare_trumpet)

*If on parade or during funeral marches*:

- 1 clapper (separate from the band)
- 2 standard bearers
- 2 Pi chanai
- 1–2 poeng mang
- 4 glong banthoh (only if the King is present) composed of 4 timpanists and a squad of 4 bearers on each drum
- 160 1st Klong khaek
- 40 2nd klong khaek (20 silver and 20 gold each)
- 28 Trae horns
- 4 Sangkla conch horns
- 20 fanfare trumpets
- 4 drum majors
- 2 fanfare conductors

## See also

- [Monarchy of Thailand](/source/Monarchy_of_Thailand)
- [Bureau of the Royal Household](/source/Bureau_of_the_Royal_Household)
- [Traditional Thai musical instruments](/source/Traditional_Thai_musical_instruments)

## References

1. ["Bangkok Post article"](http://www.bangkokpost.com/print/1123237/). *Bangkok Post*. Bangkok Post article. Retrieved 2016-12-03.

1. ["อะไรคือประโคมย่ำยาม"](https://www.matichon.co.th/entertainment/news_335364). 26 October 2016.

1. ["วงประโคมปีพาทย์นางหงส์และปี่พาทย์มอญ"](http://www.nationtv.tv/main/content/378580025/). 6 November 2017.

1. ["The Indian influence"](https://www.bangkokpost.com/lifestyle/social-and-lifestyle/1672708). *Bangkok Post*

1. ["ย้อนที่มาประโคมย่ำยาม วงปี่พาทย์นางหงส์ จากพระราชดำริ "สมเด็จพระเทพ""](https://www.khaosod.co.th/special-stories/news_58780). 18 October 2016.

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Adapted from the Wikipedia article [Prakhom band](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prakhom_band) by Wikipedia contributors ([contributor history](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prakhom_band?action=history)). Available under [Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/). Changes may have been made.