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Thailand’s Blind Musicians and Singers

If you stay in any big town or city in Thailand for long enough you are likely to encounter the country’s street musicians. Many of these street singers are blind and this is how they earn a living. With a microphone in hand and an amplifier hung around the neck, the blind singer is usually guided by a relative as they move from location to location hoping for donations. The quality of singing can vary greatly, but the best music often comes from the blind people who have formed into groups who play at a fixed location. The blind band in the photo are a regular fixture at Chiang Mai’s Sunday Walking Street Market.

"Blind musicians at Sunday Walking Street Market, Chiang Mai

As with so many other things in Thailand, the notion of karma and Buddhism comes into play when trying to explain the cultural phenomenon of the blind street musicians. In Thailand there is a widespread belief that if you make merit in your current life it will help you in the next life when you are reincarnated. Donating money to somebody less fortunate than you is one way of accruing merit. The musicians are also providing a service and so they are actually earning a living which is important in a society which expects individuals to provide for their family.

Category: Culture & Etiquette

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About Roy Cavanagh

Roy Cavanagh is a former stand-up comedian who now works as a freelance writer and website designer. Passionate about Thailand and Thai culture, Roy is also the editor of the online magazine, Fan Club Thailand.

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About Thaizer

Thank you for your interest in Thaizer. My name is Roy Cavanagh and I’ve been fortunate enough to live in Thailand and travel to every region of the country over a number of years. Thaizer.com is where I share my knowledge and experience with you. Just like any destination, Thailand has its good points and its bad points and I try to offer honest and practical advice.

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