Korat Folk Song (Phleng Korat)

Thai Korat folk, with their outstanding cultural and dialect identity, have performedPhleng Korat or Korat folk songs. This is their unique regional performance unlike anywhere else. Witty repartee between a group of men and women principals in this performance can represent the culture of local language in
combination with a unique style.The attractive performance is always touched by humour and intensified with local wisdom. Songs are about a wide range of subject matters which can be either worldly or religious. Singing these songs is anart that reveals the wit of the singers. A good singer must be intelligent as each must sing a form of extemporized verse, in which the singer must compose or improvise his or her own verse at the moment of singing in reply to bold verses sung by another singer. This is an antiphonal singing performance is really unique as it is not accompanied by music. It involves just singing and dancing. Sometimes singers may clap hands to keep rhythm. The language used is Korat dialect, which sounds similar to that of standard Central Thai but a little different in accent or tone. At the beginning, vocalists perform a short song called Korm, an Isan and also a Koratword, which means “short.”
Phleng Korat is verysimple folk entertainment. The only requirements are a group of men and women vocalists.

Professional vocalists are dresses in local costumes. A male vocalist wears a silk, panung and a short-sleeved round-necked shirt and fastens his waist with a loincloth for bathing. A female vocalist also wears a silk panung and ashort-sleeved round-necked blouse. They perform the show on a 4-columned wooden stage called “Rong Pleng” . The 3x3 metre wooden floor is 1 meter above the ground with the ground with the roof made of coconut leaves.
Traditionally the performance is from 09.00 p.m. until 06.00 a.m of the next morning. It begins with paying respect to their teachers. Then a male singer will start with verses
telling the audiences about the occasion
the host and the purpose of this performance, and also usually apologize to the audience for any mistakes during the performance. Next he will invite the female vocalist to sing. After that, a female singer will get on the stage and
defend herself for being late by stating that a woman needs time to dress up.Then the performance start with enquiring of personal information like birthplace, and occupation and followed by sarcastic verses. Then they pay respect to teachers and the Triple Gems. They then woo each other. When they are inlove, they agree to elope or enjoy the beautiful natural scenery. After praising the natural beauty, they continue with Jataka Tales like Wet Sandorn Chadok, or fables like Chanthakhorop, Phra Rot Meri,etc. Next, they test each other’s intelligence by asking about knowledge on something until nearly at daybreak, they woo, say goodbye and comfort each other since it is time to bid farewell.Finally,the last songs are for blessing the host and saying goodbye.
In the past Phleng Korat was widely popular because it was sung in avillage’s ceremony. It was the highlight of the celebrations. Many audiences could affod the time to enjoy the performance from dusk till dawn. It can be apart of auspicious occasions like merit-making, ordination, and tonsure (top knot shaving) ceremonies, and also inauspicious occasions like a funeral ceremony. Phleng Korat has also evolved with the faith and belief of Korat people. The performance in front of Lady Mo statue serves as a fulfillment of a petitioner’s vow ( a serious promise ) sine it is believed that Phleng Korat is her most preferable votive offerings. Thus, Phleng Korat will exist as long as the statue stands.
The performance is divided into two types:professional and amateur (just for pleasure not as their job). The professional costumes of Mor Phleng (a Korat song performer), and a ceremony of showing respect to teachers, whereas the amateur performance is just for fun and enjoyed by local villagers in their free time.