Folk music on the radio in Thailand

Folk music has long been an important part of Thai culture, with its roots tracing back to the country's rural communities. Known for its unique sound, the genre often features traditional Thai instruments like the khene, a type of mouth organ, and the pi saw, a bowed instrument similar to a small violin. One of the most popular folk artists in Thailand is Chamras Saewataporn, better known by his stage name Seksan Sookpimai. With over 40 years in the industry, he's known for his socially conscious lyrics and is a popular figure in the country's democracy movement. Another influential folk artist is Caravan, formed in the early 1970s by a group of musicians who fused traditional Thai sounds with rock and blues. In terms of radio stations playing folk music in Thailand, one of the most well-known is FM 100.5 ThaiPBS, which airs a program called "The Folk Songs of Thailand." The show features a mix of classic and contemporary folk music, as well as interviews with artists in the genre. Another popular station is 103 Like FM, which has a program called "Roots of Thailand" that focuses on traditional Thai music, including folk. While folk music may not be as mainstream as pop or rock in Thailand, it continues to have a dedicated fanbase and remains an important part of the country's musical heritage.