Igniting "The Power of Intergenerational Music": Thai Arts and Culture Towards Global Sustainability

SUSTAINABILITY EXPO (SX2025), ASEAN's largest sustainability exposition, created a new phenomenon on the SX TALK STAGE by presenting the power of Thai arts and culture through diverse discussions and performances, including showcases that profoundly linked art with the mission of sustainability.

The SX TALK STAGE reinforced that global "Soft Power" can be integrated with the mission of "Sustainability Power." In particular, the performing arts, especially music, have proven to be a vital tool for building understanding, unity, and sustainable social mobilization.

A Harmony for a Sustainable World: Thai Dignity on the Global Stage

A highlight reflecting the convergence of energy and the universality of the performing arts was the choral performances from two key groups:

Suanplu Chorus (คณะนักร้องประสานเสียงสวนพลู): The Suanplu Chorus was honored to perform at SX2025 before heading to the global stage. Backed by numerous international awards, Suanplu Chorus is the "sole" Thai choir selected as one of the top 10 choirs worldwide to compete in the Tolosa Choral Contest 2024 in Spain—one of the most prestigious and difficult competitions. This performance carries deep meaning, as a "Chorus" is the ultimate art form requiring "Harmony" and mutual listening. The perfectly blended sound, where no single voice stands out, serves as a powerful symbol that "a sustainable world can only be achieved when everyone collaborates... harmonizing their power as one."

The "Ploi Kae" (Unleash Your Age) Choir (วงขับร้องประสานเสียง “ปล่อยแก่”): A performance reinforcing that music never retires. The "Ploi Kae" Choir, established by the Professor Sukree Charoensook Foundation (มูลนิธิอาจารย์สุกรี เจริญสุข), was initiated to enhance the quality of life for seniors through choral singing. The project includes over 13 choirs nationwide. Impressively, the Ploi Kae Thailand choir won a Silver Medal in the Senior category at the 14th B International Choir Festival 2025 in Bali, Indonesia. This performance featured the Ploi Kae Muang Pak Nam Pho (Nakhon Sawan) group and the Sai Yai Wor Chor (วงสายใย วช.) choir.

Keng Tachaya: Reshaping Thai Music with the "Outdated, Contemporary, Modern" Concept

Mr. Keng Tachaya Prathumwan (เก่ง ธชย ประทุมวรรณ) shared his musical journey, which began accidentally in middle school as a Khlui (Thai flute) player, before he decided to become a serious vocalist on the stage of "Pralong Pleng Banleng Mahori" (a traditional Thai music competition). This competition was organized by the Bangkok Bank Sangeet Silpa Center (ศูนย์สังคีตศิลป์ ธนาคารกรุงเทพฯ) to fulfill the royal initiative of preserving the Mahori (traditional Thai orchestra) ensemble. He spent three years mastering the science of Kitasin (vocal arts) and adapting his vocal style from Western to Thai.

Today, Keng presents work that fuses the concept of "Outdated, Contemporary, Modern." He showcases his identity through adapted instruments and costumes, such as using an "Acrylic Jakhe (Glass Jakhe)" (จระเข้อะคริลิค (จระเข้แก้ว)) (a traditional zither). He noted it produces a "juicier, fuller sound" when used on stage compared to an electric wooden Jakhe. He also designed a giant Yaksha (giant) mask inspired by the Khon mask of Tossakan (Ravana), which has become his famous trademark. This creativity reflects a commitment to developing Thai musical instruments to compete with electric instruments internationally.

Music Therapy and Folk Songs: Strengthening Society

The SX TALK STAGE also featured performances using art as a tool for community empowerment and social equity, supported by the Friends of Music Project, the Luang Pradit Pairoh Foundation, and Thai Beverage Public Company Limited 

Music Therapy for Deaf Children (Angkalung Ensemble): Students from the Experimental Center for Deaf Children (Early Childhood), Phra Tamnak Suan Kularb School, performed an "Angkalung" (bamboo rattle) ensemble. This music therapy aims to develop the children's hearing and communication by practicing notes and rhythms. The instructor, Kru Berng (Ajarn Thawisak Akarawong )—a famous Thai musician who notably played Khun In in the film Hom Rong (The Overture)—adapted his teaching method to rely on hands, mouth movements, and eyes to communicate. Although the children cannot hear their own music, they created beautiful sounds for the hearing audience.

Folk Music Builds Community (Style Silp Youth Group): The "Style Silp" youth group from U-Thong District, Suphan Buri province, performed "Phleng E-Saeo", a genre with over 100 years of history. The group has developed E-Saeo into its 4th Generation (Gen Z era), adapting it with modern music, including Pop, Rap, and Mor Lam. Style Silp uses music as a medium for community strengthening. They also use recycled materials for stage decorations (e.g., tables from broken drums, birds from helmets) and are expanding this into career-building.

Mahidol Sparks "Flowers Pillar": The Power of Youth in Contemporary Music

To demonstrate the diversity and potential of the new generation in music, the SX TALK STAGE presented a performance by the band Flowers Pillar (คณะ Flowers Pillar), composed of students from the College of Music, Mahidol University (วิทยาลัยดุริยางคศิลป์ มหาวิทยาลัยมหิดล). The band represents youth who use modern music to convey emotions and stories, and they receive support from Thai Beverage Public Company Limited.

Flowers Pillar performed emotive songs, including "Ploi" (Release), as well as covers of famous bands like Solitude is Bliss and Safeplanet. They also performed their own single, "Falling Down." This performance not only entertained but also reflected the quality and growth of the advancing Thai pop and rock scene, with leading institutions like Mahidol producing new talent.

All these performances on the SX TALK STAGE reflected the effort to build "Sustainable Human Capital" and utilize arts and culture as a tool for developing the quality of life for all groups in Thai society.