Navy band brings music to weary Pattani ears

WASSAYOS NGAMKHAM

A navy musical troupe performed in Pattani to liven up the border southern province deprived of entertainment since separatist violence began terrorising residents almost a year ago.

On a balmy Saturday evening, navy soldiers holding trumpets and drums instead of guns were a rare but welcome sight. The band of naval officers in full uniform took the stage at the spot where the famed Ang Mor boiled rice restaurant had stood. The eatery was destroyed by a bomb on Nov 12, wounding 14 customers.

The musicians, singers and dancers, both male and female soldiers, performed a mix of pop and folk numbers which attracted a sizeable audience despite rain.

On stage, the singers sang their hearts out as dancers as young as five delighted the crowd. An oversized mascot in a sailor's uniform drew cheers from the audience.

The concert was the first live public entertainment in Pattani in months and a stark reminder of how a once bustling city had suddenly become a subdued shadow of its former self.

Commander Thirakiat Thong-aram, director of the band, said its 50 musicians were in town to boost security forces' morale and relieve the stress of local residents emotionally drained by the daily killings. ``I think music can help,'' he said.

It was the first time a full navy band had played in the deep South. Cdr Thirakiat said danger may be lurking, but band members were not afraid.

He said music was a psychological boost and performers hoped to persuade local residents to cooperate with the government in easing unrest.

The band tried to win the hearts and minds of locals with the songs. Cdr Thirakiat thought their usual repertoire might not appeal to a Muslim audience, so instead played songs locals knew well.

Pvt Kanchana Lertritvimarnmet, lead female singer, said she sang patriotic and monarchy-honouring songs such as Rak Ther Prathet Thai (I Love You Thailand) and Lon Klao Pao Thai (Blessings for Thais from All Walks).

Pvt Chatree Srakao, of the marine medical infantry, said the performance helped him to relax. Being constantly on guard against attacks had worn him out.

Chaliew Monkin, a 41-year-old electrician from Narathiwat, said he dreaded thinking that the crowd turning up to see the concert might be the target of a bomb attack. Only a few people now dared to eat out, he said.

He did not believe, however, that the concert would wean sympathisers away from supporting insurgents.

The band will return to perform in Pattani, Yala and Narathiwat in January.