We do not discuss a lot about Thai music and the music composers. Here is the list of the top ten composers who laid the foundation of Thai music.
1. Khun Wichitmatra
Khun Wichitmatra, also known as Sanga Kanchanakphan was born on 7 July; 1897 and died on 2 July; 1980. He wrote the Thai national anthem,0 which was first played in July 1972 and was later rewritten.
2. Suraphol Sombatcharoen
Suraphol Sombatcharoen was born on 15 September 1930. He used to sing luk thung which is Thai country music. Also known as the king of luk thung by the people. On 16 August 1968, he was shot dead in his car after his performance.
3. Peter Feit
Peter Feit, also known as Phra Chenduriyang, was the son of Jacob Feit, a German immigrant. He was born on July 13; 1883. Peter used to make music arrangements and compose music. He also worked as a music professor, conductor, and collector. He managed the Thai national anthem, and even after being an immigrant, he never left Thailand and dedicated his life to Thai music. He died on December 25; 1968.
4. Bhumibol Adulyadej
Bhumibol Adulyadej was the king of Thailand born on 5 December 1927. He was given the name of King Bhumibol the Great; and even after being in the royal family, he followed his passion for music. He took his music training in Singapore and was a well-known composer and jazz saxophone player. He created a jazz band and, hence Jazz music got very popular in Thailand. On 13 October; 2016 he died at the age of 88.
5. Eua Sunthornsanan
Eua Sunthornsanan was born on January 21, 1910. He was a composer and leader of the Suntaraporn band. He was one of the most influential people who brought western music to Thailand. He composed many popular new years and Thai folk songs, which are still very popular amongst Thai people. He died on April 1; 1981
6. Chamras Saewataporn
Chamras Saewataporn was born on December 9; 1955, in Bangkok. He started his music career by singing at clubs and later joined a band. He became a professional musician and composer when he was 18 and then started his own band called “The Radio”.
7. Somtow Sucharitkul
Somtow Sucharitkul was born on 30 December 1952. He is a Thai-American music composer and also a writer by profession. He has composed many symphonies and ballets and has also done a lot of stage works.
8. Trisdee Na Patalung
Trisdee na Patalung was born on 9 March 1986. He started studying music at the age of 13, but he stopped when he met Somtow Sucharitkul. Sucharitkul became his mentor, and soon, started working as an assistant conductor for Bangkok opera. Currently, he is a conductor and a composer.
9. Thanis Sriklindee
Thanis Sriklindee was born on 23 January; 1951. He was a composer and part of a famous Thai rock band called Carabao. He is also known by the name Ajaan Thanis.
10. Dnu Huntrakul
Dnu Huntrakul is a Chinese descendant born on March 26; 1950. He is a composer and an active musician in the Thai music industry. He has also performed at the Asian Games held in 1998 in Bangkok.