Suggestions for the Development of Thai Music in Entertainment Venues to Promote Tourism in Phuket

This qualitative research uses observation, interview and focus group discussion to study the background and problems of Thai music ensembles in Phuket, so to make suggestions for their development. The research findings reveal that since the city shifted from tin-mining to tourism, Thai music has been used to welcome tourists. There are three problems in the Thai music business: a) problems with Thai music troupes; b) problems with places where Thai music is performed; and c) problems with tourists. The main cause of the problems is a lack of effective cooperation between Thai music ensembles and their employers. The research makes five suggestions for musical adaptations: 1) Thai music and folk music, 2) Thai and Western music, 3) Thai music and sounds, 4) Thai music and performances, and 5) music from CDs and performances. These adaptations must preserve cultural roots so that they will not compromise the identity of Thai music.