The Soul of Krung: Bamboo Music of Nan
A journey into the Khamu people’s musical heritage through handcrafted bamboo instruments of Northern Thailand.
The Krung is a bamboo stamping tube, once central to rice harvest rituals of the Khamu people in Northern Thailand. Today, it is performed in communal gatherings and festivals, including New Year in Nam Sod Village, Nan.
Som and La Paopa, still carry the knowledge of selecting bamboo from the creek, shaping it into instruments, and transmitting this living heritage. Their work ensures that the sound of the Krung, and the cultural knowledge it embodies, will be carried forward to future generation
Krung (2025) by Asso.Prof.Dr. Pornprapit PhoasavadiFaculty of Fine and Applied Arts, Chulalongkorn University
These bamboo types include
Bong bamboo
Khao Lam bamboo'
Rai bamboo
Hia bamboo
Lo bamboo
Krung 2 (2025) by Asso.Prof.Dr. Pornprapit PhoasavadiFaculty of Fine and Applied Arts, Chulalongkorn University
Four types of krungs are named as follows
1. Mae means a mother.
2. Tam Mae means to follow a mother
3. Sam Kam means to call three times, which stands on the right side or left side of the mother.
4. Khei means the male in-law or the daughter’s husband.
Demonstration video of playing the krung (2025) by Asso.Prof.Dr. Pornprapit PhoasavadiFaculty of Fine and Applied Arts, Chulalongkorn University
Krung
Krung (bamboo stamping tube). Traditionally played in rice harvest rituals by the Khamu people. Today performed in communal gatherings and festivals, including New Year. The best bamboo for making Krung grows along the creek, chosen for its strength and resonance.
Master of making krung (2025) by Asso.Prof.Dr. Pornprapit PhoasavadiFaculty of Fine and Applied Arts, Chulalongkorn University
Khamu Masters
Masters Som and La Paopa, the last two Krung makers in Nam Sod Village. Custodians of rare musical knowledge, ensuring that the craft and sound of bamboo instruments endure for future generations.
Master Som Paopa
Master Som, one of only two remaining instrument makers in Nam Sod Village. Demonstrates traditional bamboo crafting methods for the Krung, selecting and preparing bamboo from local creeks.
Master La Paopa
Master La Paopa, elder musician and craftsman of Nam Sod Village. Along with Master Som, he is one of the last knowledge bearers of Krung making, preserving ancestral techniques tied to the landscape.
Krung A Musical Heritage Amidst the Forests of Nan (2025) by Asso.Prof.Dr. Pornprapit PhoasavadiFaculty of Fine and Applied Arts, Chulalongkorn University
A musical instrument inspired by the Krung. (2025) by Asso.Prof.Dr. Pornprapit PhoasavadiFaculty of Fine and Applied Arts, Chulalongkorn University
Design of musical instruments inspired by the Krung.
Executive Producer: Prof. Dr.Kumkom Pornprasit
Advisory Committee:
Prof. Kamol Phaosavadi
Assoc.Prof. Dr.Noppadon Kitana
Orapan Kiatniyomdee
Second Lieutenant Vinyu Sriboonruang
Siriwat Sornnonthikoon Yaowaret Rattana
Working Team:
Faculty of Fine and Applied Arts, Chulalongkorn University
Assoc. Prof. Dr.Pornprapit Phoasavadi (Project Leader)
Asst. Prof. Dr.Prapon Kumjim
Asst. Prof. Dr.Phatcharin Suntiatchawan
Asst. Prof. Dr.Haisang Javanalikhikara Dr.Pornrak Chowvanayitin
Regional Learning Network Center, Chulalongkorn University
Nan Area Team
Sakchai Manopak
Panya Lamkham
Sutthiphong Wongsisom
Sakchai Korkoet
Thatthapoom Intawichai Wutthichai Plaengjai
Artists: Som Paopa
La Paopa
Curator Team:
Production: Assistant Professor Dr. Haisang Javanalikhikara
Visuals and Audio: Pichet Boontavee
Editor: Ratchapon Taksinatam
Script: Assoc. Prof. Dr. Pornprapit Phoasavadi
Ratchapon Taksinatam
Supapipat Posuwan
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