Asian Culture and History; Vol. 6, No. 2; 2014 ISSN 1916-9655 E-ISSN 1916-9663 Published by Canadian Center of Science and Education Suggestions for the Development of Thai Music in Entertainment Venues to Promote Tourism in Phuket Teerathorn Lamnaokrut1,3, Songkoon Chantachon1 & Marisa Koseyayothin2 1 The Faculty of Cultural Science, Mahasarakham University, Khamriang Sub-District, Kantarawichai District, Maha Sarakham Province, Thailand 2 Kanchanapisek Non-Formal Education Centre (Royal Academy), Salaya Sub-District, Bhuttamonthon District, Nakhon Pathom Province, Thailand 3 Prince of Songkla University, Phuket Campus, Amphur Kathu, Phuket, Thailand Correspondence: Teerathorn Lamnaokrut, The Faculty of Cultural Science, Mahasarakham University, Khamriang Sub-District, Kantarawichai District, Maha Sarakham Province 44150, Thailand. E-mail:
[email protected] Received: April 29, 2014 Accepted: May 29, 2014 Online Published: June 12, 2014 doi:10.5539/ach.v6n2p139 URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.5539/ach.v6n2p139 Abstract 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.