Luk Thep March

In early 2025, I was contacted by Kaisorn Julatip from the Black Orange Wind Symphony (an alumni ensemble of the Ratwinit Bangkaeo Wind Symphony) who commissioned me to compose a new concert march for their performance. Their theme was centered around “deities (Thai: Thep).” He asked for a march that would be lively, melodious, and filled with an innocent, mischievous spirit. From that idea came Luk Thep March.

The term “Luk Thep” (literally “angel child”) refers to a type of Thai sacred doll that gained popularity around 2015. The doll, resembling a young child, was believed to bring luck and protection, and owners often carried it wherever they went. To me, belief and Thainess are inseparable. It deeply intertwined aspects of our culture. Through Luk Thep March, I wanted to portray a world of supernatural imagination: mystical spell-casting, the laughter of playful spirits, gentle lullabies, and even… the frantic scene of running away from ghosts!

Viskamol Chaiwanichsiri